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Epic Runtime, Epic Returns: The Most Successful Long Movies Ever Made

Epic Runtime, Epic Returns: The Most Successful Long Movies Ever Made
By Brianna Zigler
13 min read • Originally published April 26, 2024 / Updated March 19, 2026
By Brianna Zigler
13 min read • Originally published April 26, 2024 / Updated March 19, 2026

The most successful long movies of all time

A recent debate has made its way around the internet about whether audiences should be forced to sit through movies that are over three hours long. At the end of the day, defenders of such lengthy cinematic experiences might suggest that some people should simply avoid films they know they don’t have the patience to endure.

Despite the arduous running time of many blockbusters and meditative indie films, long movies aren’t a recent phenomenon—epics, especially of the historical and biblical variety, used to be far more recurrent until the “Cleopatra” disaster of 1963 (which will be detailed, in part, on this list).

Sometimes the movie calls for a long running time because that is the nature of the story being told, whether that’s wrapping up numerous character arcs of a multisaga franchise like the conclusion to Phase 1 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Avengers: Endgame”; attempting to impart the legacy of a near-mythic historical figure as with “Oppenheimer”; or simply because the director can, and wants to, stretch out a story as much as possible and show off awe-inspiring tech in the process, like in Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” remake.

Some of the most successful films of 2025 have been on the longer side. “Sinners,” which raked in over $366 million worldwide and earned plenty of awards buzz in the process, runs 2 hours and 17 minutes—quite long for a vampire movie, though it’s about more than just that. And Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” while not quite the same box-office juggernaut, is even longer at two hours and 42 minutes, and is being called a Best Picture frontrunner. Recent years have shown that audiences are not put off by long movies, and critics and awards bodies certainly aren’t either. Consider that in 2025, the 3.5-hour “The Brutalist” picked up multiple Academy Awards.

Nowadays, there’s no specific correlation between the length of a movie and how it performs; while we may once have associated long running times with inaccessible arthouse fare, plenty of superhero movies and other genre films have learned how to keep butts in seats for upwards of three hours, with nary an intermission in sight.

To see which long movies throughout history have been the biggest hits, Stacker looked at the box-office performance of all feature films over three hours long on The Numbers and ranked the top 20 by United States domestic box-office earnings. IMDb user ratings and Metacritic scores were provided for context on popular and critical reception.

Think you have the patience for these 20 films? Keep reading to discover more about the most successful long movies in cinematic history.

#20. Gandhi (1982)

– Director: Richard Attenborough
– Domestic box office: $52.77 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 11 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Metascore: 79

For some biographical dramas, the subject in question is larger than life and difficult to depict within the more concise confines of a 90-minute run time. Such is the case of the life and legacy of Indian civil rights leader Mahatma Gandhi, in Richard Attenborough’s sprawling, Academy Award-winning film. The feature was Attenborough’s passion project, but it had been shelved and resurrected a number of times with different directors between the ’50s and ’70s, before finally beginning shooting in 1981. Despite lasting over three hours in run time, the film received overwhelmingly positive critical and audience response.

#19. The Godfather Part II (1974)

– Director: Francis Ford Coppola
– Domestic box office: $57.3 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 22 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Metascore: 90

Part of the reason for the long run time of the sequel to “The Godfather” has to do with the fact that the film is both a sequel and a prequel, detailing the rise of young Vito Corleone and the fall of his son, Michael. Director Francis Ford Coppola also received complete creative control over this film as opposed to “The Godfather,” so he was able to be a bit more self-indulgent. Despite some initial critical reticence to his lengthy, cross-cutting narrative approach, the film fared well at the box office on a budget of only $13 million.

#18. Cleopatra (1963)

– Directors: Joseph L. Mankiewicz, Rouben Mamoulian
– Domestic box office: $57.78 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 12 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.0
– Metascore: 60

The gratuitous run time of “Cleopatra” is fitting when considering the extreme infamy of its catastrophic production. A massively inflated budget, major on-set hazards, script changes, the near-fatal illness of star Elizabeth Taylor, and the affair between Taylor and co-star Richard Burton, all coalesced into a disaster of epic proportions, one which matches the bloated epic of its screenplay.

Some believe that the film—a biographical drama chronicling the life and rule of the famous Egyptian queen—essentially killed off big-budget epics, despite the fact that it ended up as the biggest hit of 1963. Nevertheless, with how much the budget was exceeded—$5 million set, but at least $35 million in reality—the film was still a loss for the studio.

#17. JFK (1991)

– Director: Oliver Stone
– Domestic box office: $70.41 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 9 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Metascore: 72

A film centered on a conspiracy as compelling as the JFK assassination is bound to be both overlong and also gripping, as is the case with Oliver Stone’s “JFK.” It also makes sense as to why the film, despite being in excess of three hours, still managed to be such a hit with audiences: It unleashed further fixation on one of the biggest American conspiracy theories of all time. Stylistically and narratively ambitious, the screenplay is ultimately broken into four chapters. Stone initially hoped “JFK” would be more than 4 ½ hours and double the original budget, but he was able to trim it down to a slightly more digestible length.

#16. Ben-Hur (1959)

– Director: William Wyler
– Domestic box office: $74.7 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 32 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 90

Religious and historical epics were all the rage during the early and middle parts of the 20th century (before the disaster of “Cleopatra”)—so much so that not only was the 3 ½-hour “Ben-Hur” the highest-grossing film at the 1959 box office, but it is still one of the highest-grossing films of all time (after adjusting for inflation). The film’s $15 million budget at the time was the largest ever for a film and boasted the largest sets ever produced. The chariot race sequence remains to this day an impressive and meticulous piece of filmmaking.

#15. Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

– Director: Norman Jewison
– Domestic box office: $80.5 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 1 minute
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Metascore: 67

Musical films based on stage plays can often be as long as the source material they’re adapted from—and the film adaptation of “Fiddler on the Roof” was no different. Musical numbers take up a lot of extra time (just part of why many Bollywood films tend to be so long). And while audiences today, allegedly, don’t have patience for any musical films—let alone ones over three hours—a laborious run time did not dissuade audiences from showing up for “Fiddler.” The film grossed over $80 million worldwide on a budget of only $9 million to become the second-highest-grossing film of 1971.

#14. The Ten Commandments (1956)

– Director: Cecil B. DeMille
– Domestic box office: $93.74 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: data not available

When a film is designated as an “epic,” that usually means most, if not all, aspects of production are going to be grand in proportion—and that absolutely includes run time. Cecil B. DeMille’s mid-century classic clocked in at nearly four hours in length, which ultimately feels apt for the monumental story of this biblical tale. The film even features one of the largest exterior sets ever used in a motion picture, on top of including a groundbreaking piece of early special effects trickery.

#13. Schindler’s List (1993)

– Director: Steven Spielberg
– Domestic box office: $96.9 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Metascore: 95

Steven Spielberg undertook quite a creative burden by attempting to do justice to the story of Oskar Schindler, whose real-life acts of salvation for Jewish people during the Holocaust were dramatized in the 1982 novel titled “Schindler’s Ark.” Adapted and renamed as “Schindler’s List,” the epic historical drama gripped audiences and critics, and was a critical and commercial smash—going on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. However, some objected to the content of the film; Claude Lanzmann, the director of the nine-hour Holocaust documentary “Shoah,” felt it was a transgression to fictionalize such atrocities.

#12. Doctor Zhivago (1965)

– Director: David Lean
– Domestic box office: $111.72 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 17 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 69

David Lean’s sweeping historical romance adapts Boris Pasternak’s 1957 novel of the same name—the story of a physician and poet during the Russian Civil War who bears an everlasting love to a woman with whom he reunites years later after he’s already married. The film was actually criticized at the time of its release for its nearly 3 ½-hour run time, but that didn’t prevent audiences from seeing the film. To this day, “Doctor Zhivago” continues to be one of the highest-grossing movies of all time (after being adjusted for inflation). So, it all worked out for this film that endured a particularly painstaking production process, lasting nearly a year.

#11. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

– Director: Martin Scorsese
– Domestic box office: $116.9 million
– Run time: 3 hours
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 75

Though he’s not a stranger to a standard two-hour movie, Martin Scorsese has become known for his excessive run times, with many of his most famous works clocking in at well over 2 ½ hours. But his most successful long movie—and his highest-grossing ever—is “The Wolf of Wall Street,” an opulent film to match the life of its subject: New York City con artist Jordan Belfort, a corrupt stockbroker whose heyday during the late 1980s and early ’90s led to his ultimate downfall and stint in prison. The length of the film works in tandem with Belfort’s life, which was self-indulgent, hedonistic, and deeply tasteless; in the end, audiences, critics, and awards bodies simply couldn’t get enough of it.

#10. The Green Mile (1999)

– Director: Frank Darabont
– Domestic box office: $136.8 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 9 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Metascore: 61

Based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, “The Green Mile” tells the story of a death row prison guard who meets a physically foreboding man with a gentle demeanor who’s been accused of double homicide—and who also seems to possess otherworldly gifts. Despite the fantasy drama’s run time of over three hours, the screenplay only took director Frank Darabont eight weeks to write. “The Green Mile” was a crowd-pleaser and was nominated for multiple awards, including four Oscars; though it did receive some criticism for its length from critics at the time.

#9. Dances with Wolves (1990)

– Director: Kevin Costner
– Domestic box office: $184.21 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 1 minute
– IMDb user rating: 8.0
– Metascore: 72

The story of a Union Army lieutenant finding acceptance, family, and love with members of the Lakota nation won moviegoers over back in 1990. “Dances with Wolves” was a box office hit, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of the year and garnering a whopping 12 Academy Award nominations, winning seven. However, the film did face an uphill battle getting greenlit, as the Western genre was long dead and the screenplay was, obviously, lengthy. Director and star Kevin Costner and co-producer Jim Wilson managed to strike a deal with Orion Pictures and get their film made, run time notwithstanding.

#8. Pearl Harbor (2001)

– Director: Michael Bay
– Domestic box office: $198.54 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 3 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 6.2
– Metascore: 44

This highly fictionalized account of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 is stretched out by a romance narrative set before, during, and after the tragic attack. While the film won out at the box office, it was scrutinized by critics for everything from the story to the historical inaccuracies, to the dialogue, pacing, and, yes, the unwieldy three-hour run time. But “Pearl Harbor,” which was directed by Michael Bay, also had an unwieldy production process; former Disney chairman Dick Cook considered it “one of the most difficult shoots of modern history.”

#7. Gone with the Wind (1939)

– Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood
– Domestic box office: $198.68 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 58 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 97

The longest run time on this list goes to none other than “Gone with the Wind,” the epic historical romance picture that remains, to this day, the highest-grossing film of all time after adjusting for inflation. It’s clear that the nearly four-hour run time did not deter audiences in 1939 from seeing “Gone with the Wind” in droves, although critics at the time did take issue with that laborious aspect. As if to parallel its length, the film’s production was an equally massive undertaking, taking three years, multiple directors, and a daunting casting process to finally translate Margaret Mitchell’s novel to the silver screen.

#6. King Kong (2005)

– Director: Peter Jackson
– Domestic box office: $218.08 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 7 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 81

It should come as no surprise that a director like Peter Jackson took a classic film under two hours in length and stretched it to over three hours; the filmmaker behind “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy knows a thing or two about world-building. For one, Jackson fleshed out the fictional setting of Skull Island, and with that came extensive use of CGI, special effects, elaborate set pieces, and more of the motion-capture technology seen in “Lord of the Rings” (Andy Serkis, who played Gollum in the Tolkien trilogy, provided the movements for Kong).

While many critics praised the film for its spectacle, some did take issue with its length: Charlie Brooker of The Guardian called it “three hours long and rubbish.”

#5. Oppenheimer (2023)

– Director: Christopher Nolan
– Domestic box office: $326.11 million
– Run time: 3 hours
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 90

The initial prospect of a three-hour biographical drama about the father of the atomic bomb seemed dicey in the months leading up to the release of Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” But to doubt the power of Nolan, who isn’t exactly known for making brief pictures, is a foolish endeavor. Not only is he one of the most consistently successful mainstream auteurs, but his behemoth of a film got an added boost with the “Barbenheimer” double-feature frenzy in the summer of 2023, all leading to an Academy Award sweep including Best Picture.

The run time has partly to do with the kind of meticulous filmmaker Nolan is; he shot the film using multiple formats and implemented impressive practical effects for the Trinity test. The result manages to move at a brisk clip, thanks in part to Oscar-winning editor Jennifer Lame.

#4. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

– Director: Peter Jackson
– Domestic box office: $377.85 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 21 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 9.0
– Metascore: 94

Nine-plus hours in total length is possibly not enough time to tell the epic saga of Frodo and the One Ring from J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic series, but Peter Jackson did a more-than-solid job nevertheless. Out of the three films, each adapted from one book of the trilogy, “The Return of the King” had the longest run time at nearly 3 ½ hours—but that did not deter audiences.

The movie not only did gangbusters at the box office, but it also secured numerous Oscars, including a win for Jackson in the Best Director category and the coveted Best Picture award. On top of Tolkien’s novels being such rich material to work with, the “Lord of the Rings” films have become well known for their lavish and lengthy productions, replete with practical effects, groundbreaking CGI, and complex set pieces.

#3. Titanic (1997)

– Director: James Cameron
– Domestic box office: $659.33 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 14 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 75

To say that James Cameron goes all in on his productions is maybe an understatement. Though he’s known for his epic scales, “Titanic” is Cameron’s longest film (beating out “Avatar: The Way of Water” by only two minutes) due to the sheer size of the ever-increasing budget and Cameron’s unwillingness to cut anything. That $200 million budget ultimately went to the grand proportions of Cameron’s filmmaking, the visual effects, lavish sets, the number of extras, and the ballooned shooting schedule, which shot up to 160 days. In the end, the risk of such gargantuan proportions paid off, leading to Oscar glory and a special place in the annals of Hollywood and pop culture history.

#2. Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

– Director: James Cameron
– Domestic box office: $659.68 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 12 minutes
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 67

More than a decade after the smash success of “Avatar,” James Cameron returned with a bigger, even longer sequel because a world as immersive as that of Pandora can only be told over three-plus hours. In this case, Cameron’s lengthy, lovingly crafted story is further facilitated by breathtaking CGI, enormous set pieces, and painstaking performance capture technology; all told, the film took five years to make. Speaking about the long run time to Empire magazine, Cameron had no patience for impatience: “I don’t want anybody whining about length when they sit and binge-watch [television] for eight hours.”

#1. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

– Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
– Domestic box office: $858.37 million
– Run time: 3 hours and 1 minute
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 78

The epic conclusion to the first phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe wasn’t deserving of just one three-hour movie: it took more than five hours combined, via the two-parter “Infinity War” and “Endgame,” to conclude the saga of “Iron Man” and “The Avengers.” “Endgame” is the longer of the two films by about half an hour, but that run time didn’t deter fans from making the film one of the biggest blockbusters of all time.

The fact that “Endgame” had to wrap up the arcs of several crucial MCU characters definitely played a part in how long the film needed to be. Coupled with large-scale CGI, IMAX digital cameras, and special effects (including over 200 de-aging or aging shots), the film is actually one of the most expensive ever produced.

Data reporting by Luke Hicks. Story editing by Cynthia Rebolledo. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. 

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Entertainment
Entertainment

The Greatest Animated Blockbusters of All Time, Ranked

The Greatest Animated Blockbusters of All Time, Ranked
By Cynthia Rebolledo
8 min read • Originally published May 23, 2024 / Updated March 19, 2026
By Cynthia Rebolledo
8 min read • Originally published May 23, 2024 / Updated March 19, 2026

Best animated blockbusters of all time

Animated movies have evolved significantly over the years, transcending their initial reputation as merely children’s entertainment to powerful storytelling vehicles with wide-reaching appeal. From the hand-drawn classics of Disney’s golden age to the cutting-edge CGI of today, animated films have continually pushed the boundaries of creativity, technology, and emotional resonance. Just look at “Flow,” the tiny Latvian film that became the first independent animated movie to win a Best Animated Feature Oscar when it triumphed at the 2025 Academy Awards. The filmmakers told a dialogue-free but moving story on their own terms; now they will “open doors to independent animation filmmakers around the world,” as the director said at the Oscars ceremony.

Even so, the evolution in animation is happening across the board, including within major studios and streamers. June 2025 saw the splashy premiere of Netflix’s “K-Pop: Demon Hunters,” praised by critics and audiences alike for its innovative animation style. The film was such a streaming phenomenon that Netflix brought it to theaters in August 2025 and earned $18 million. Disney is banking on a bigger box-office take for “Zootopia 2,” which hits theaters on Nov. 26, 2025, nine years after the first “Zootopia” explored themes of prejudice and societal inequality. In contemporary animation, big ideas are often at play, which haven’t stopped the genre from being big business.

When it comes to grosses, Disney and Pixar movies tend to stand out above the rest. “Toy Story,” Pixar’s feature film, netted nearly $250 million worldwide—and that’s not counting its latest theatrical rerelease, which began on Sept. 12, 2025. The “Toy Story” franchise has raked in an astounding $3.2 billion. But beyond their box-office success, these films have also played a pivotal role in shaping the animation industry. With each technological advancement and creative breakthrough, animators have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, inspiring new generations of storytellers and innovators. From pioneering techniques like Walt Disney’s multiplane camera to the revolutionary use of computer-generated imagery in films like “Toy Story,” animated movies continue to redefine cinematic storytelling possibilities.

Needless to say, animated movies have come a long way since their humble frame-by-frame beginnings, evolving into a diverse and influential art form that resonates with audiences. Whether exploring the depths of human emotion or celebrating cultural traditions, these films have left an indelible mark on moviegoers, the animation industry, and popular culture.

To explore the best animated blockbuster films of all time, Stacker collected data on all animated feature films and ranked the top 2 according to IMDb user ratings. Ties were broken by IMDb user votes. According to The Numbers, to qualify as a blockbuster for the list, the film had to collect at least nine figures at the worldwide box office. Metascores are provided for critical context.

Here are the best animated blockbusters of all time.

#20. Shrek (2001)

– Directors: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 84
– Worldwide box office: $492.2 million
– Runtime: 90 minutes

This wildly successful CGI comedy follows the titular ogre as he embarks on a quest with his wisecracking donkey to rescue Princess Fiona, blending humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments. “Shrek” became a cultural phenomenon upon its release for its irreverent take on fairy tale tropes, spawning multiple sequels and spinoffs.

#19. Aladdin (1992)

– Directors: Ron Clements, John Musker
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 86
– Worldwide box office: $504.1 million
– Runtime: 90 minutes

“Aladdin” tells the story of a young, streetwise urchin who comes upon a magical lamp containing a genie who grants him three wishes. The vibrant animation remains a beloved classic for its memorable music and Robin Williams’ iconic performance as the shapeshifting Genie.

#18. Zootopia (2016)

– Directors: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 78
– Worldwide box office: $1 billion
– Runtime: 108 minutes

In “Zootopia,” a determined bunny cop teams up with a sly fox to solve a mysterious case involving missing predators in a bustling metropolis inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. The film’s timely themes of humanity, tolerance, inclusion, and overcoming prejudices won “Zootopia” the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, solidifying its impact on both audiences and the animation industry.

#17. The Incredibles (2004)

– Director: Brad Bird
– IMDb user rating: 8
– Metascore: 90
– Worldwide box office: $631.4 million
– Runtime: 115 minutes

“The Incredibles” follows a family of superheroes who must come out of retirement to save the world from a villainous threat. Earning praise for its unique take on the superhero genre, “The Incredibles” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

#16. Inside Out (2015)

– Directors: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 94
– Worldwide box office: $850.5 million
– Runtime: 95 minutes

“Inside Out” delves into the inner workings of a young girl’s mind as her emotions —Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust—navigate the challenges of growing up. The Pixar film resonated with audiences of all ages and received acclaim for its poignant exploration of mental health and emotional well-being.

#15. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)

– Directors: Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 75
– Worldwide box office: $494.9 million
– Runtime: 98 minutes

“How to Train Your Dragon” centers around a young Viking named Hiccup who befriends a dragon and embarks on a journey to change his village’s perception of the creatures. The film captivated audiences and spawned a successful franchise, inspiring viewers with its themes of courage and understanding.

#14. Ratatouille (2007)

– Directors: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 96
– Worldwide box office: $626.5 million
– Runtime: 111 minutes

“Ratatouille” serves up a delightful tale about a rat named Remy who hopes to become a chef and follows his culinary pursuits by forming an unlikely bond with a young kitchen worker. The film’s mouthwatering animation received critical acclaim for its creativity and charm, inspiring audiences to embrace their own culinary adventures.

#13. Monsters, Inc. (2001)

– Directors: Pete Docter, David Silverman, Lee Unkrich
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 79
– Worldwide box office: $560.4 million
– Runtime: 92 minutes

“Monsters, Inc.” delighted audiences with the adventures of two monsters working at a power plant that generates energy by scaring human children. The adventure begins when a human child arrives in their realm and turns their world upside down. The 2001 film earned praise for its imaginative premise, originality, and heartwarming story.

#12. Finding Nemo (2003)

– Directors: Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 90
– Worldwide box office: $936.1 million
– Runtime: 100 minutes

In this stunning underwater animation, a clownfish named Marlin journies across the ocean to rescue his son, who was taken by a scuba diver and kept in a fish tank at the dentist’s office. The film’s heartfelt story, pioneering visuals, and realistic computer-generated animation won the film an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

#11. Princess Mononoke (1997)

– Director: Hayao Miyazaki
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 76
– Worldwide box office: $150.4 million
– Runtime: 134 minutes

“Princess Mononoke” transported viewers to medieval Japan, where a young prince becomes embroiled in a struggle between the forces of nature and humankind. This breathtaking animation earned acclaim for its epic storytelling, mature themes, and complex characters.

#10. Toy Story 3 (2010)

– Director: Lee Unkrich
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 92
– Worldwide box office: $1.1 billion
– Runtime: 103 minutes

In “Toy Story 3,” Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the toys must grapple with the challenges of growing up—facing an uncertain future as their owner prepares to leave for college. The movie tugged at audiences’ heartstrings for its emotional depth and poignant exploration of themes like friendship and nostalgia.

#9. Toy Story (1995)

– Director: John Lasseter
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 96
– Worldwide box office: $365.3 million
– Runtime: 81 minutes

“Toy Story” introduced audiences to Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll, and Buzz Lightyear, a space ranger action figure, who must overcome their differences to escape the clutches of a toy-destroying neighbor. “Toy Story” revolutionized the animation industry with its groundbreaking use of CGI and heartfelt storytelling.

#8. Up (2009)

– Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
– IMDb user rating: 8.3
– Metascore: 88
– Worldwide box office: $731.5 million
– Runtime: 96 minutes

In “Up,” an elderly widower fulfills his late wife’s lifelong dream of exploring South America by tying thousands of balloons to his house and embarking on a journey filled with unexpected adventures. Touching the hearts and minds of audiences of all ages, “Up” became the first animated film to open the Cannes Film Festival.

#7. Your Name. (2016)

– Director: Makoto Shinkai
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 81
– Worldwide box office: $347.6 million
– Runtime: 106 minutes

This beautifully animated tale follows two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies. Despite never meeting in person, they embark on a quest to unravel the secrets behind their extraordinary connection. “Your Name.” became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and garnered international acclaim for its universal themes of love and fate.

#6. Coco (2017)

– Directors: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 81
– Worldwide box office: $796.5 million
– Runtime: 105 minutes

In this animated Pixar flick, a young boy named Miguel ventures through the Land of the Dead to learn the truth behind his family’s history and pursue his passion for music. “Coco” earned acclaim for its celebration of Mexican culture, traditions, and emotional resonance honoring loved ones with its vibrant portrayal of Día de los Muertos. In 2018, the film secured the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

#5. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

– Directors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 87
– Worldwide box office: $375.5 million
– Runtime: 117 minutes

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” swung into theaters with its groundbreaking animation style and diverse representation, introducing audiences to a new iteration of Spider-Man, Miles Morales, joining forces with other Spider-People from different dimensions to protect New York City from a threat that could destroy all reality. The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, setting a new standard for superhero storytelling.

#4. WALL·E (2008)

– Director: Andrew Stanton
– IMDb user rating: 8.4
– Metascore: 95
– Worldwide box office: $532.5 million
– Runtime: 98 minutes

“WALL·E” charmed audiences with its tale of a lonely robot tasked with cleaning up a deserted, garbage-filled Earth who discovers a new purpose and embarks on a journey through space to save humanity. The film’s minimal dialogue and environmental themes earned “WALL·E” praise for its innovative storytelling and poignant message about the importance of preserving the planet for future generations.

#3. The Lion King (1994)

– Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff
– IMDb user rating: 8.5
– Metascore: 88
– Worldwide box office: $986.2 million
– Runtime: 88 minutes

“The Lion King” roared into theaters with its epic tale of a young lion prince named Simba learning about responsibility, loss, and identity while restoring his rightful role as king of the Pride Lands. The movie’s iconic characters, memorable music, and stunning animation remain one of Disney’s most beloved classics—inspiring a Broadway musical, Jon Favreau’s 2019 remake, and the 2024 prequel, “Mufasa: The Lion King.”

#2. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

– Directors: Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson
– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Metascore: 86
– Worldwide box office: $681.2 million
– Runtime: 140 minutes

A testament to the enduring legacy of everyone’s favorite web-slinger, “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” continues the story of Miles Morales as he navigates the multiverse and encounters new challenges and allies from different dimensions. A sequel to the 2018 Oscar-winning “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” the new installment follows Miles’ growth as he grapples with the responsibilities of being a superhero.

#1. Spirited Away (2001)

– Director: Hayao Miyazaki
– IMDb user rating: 8.6
– Metascore: 96
– Worldwide box office: $383.9 million
– Runtime: 125 minutes

“Spirited Away” follows a young girl who finds herself trapped in a mysterious, supernatural realm and must navigate a series of fantastical encounters to rescue her parents and return home. In 2003, the Japanese blockbuster won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, establishing director Hayao Miyazaki’s status as a master storyteller and becoming the first non-English-language movie to win the award.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Copy editing by Paris Close.

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The Worst Movies of the 1980s: Hollywood’s Biggest Misses

The Worst Movies of the 1980s: Hollywood’s Biggest Misses
By Charlotte Barnett
18 min read • Originally published October 21, 2024 / Updated March 19, 2026
By Charlotte Barnett
18 min read • Originally published October 21, 2024 / Updated March 19, 2026

Worst movies of the ’80s

The 1980s began with the election of President Ronald Reagan, and the new administration’s policies launched the country into an era of excess. From the malls to the shoulder pads and hairstyles, everything got bigger in the ’80s as the country waved farewell to the days of free love and disco that defined the preceding decades.

In the movie industry, the 1970s “New Hollywood” era inaugurated the careers of auteurs like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola. However, the decade trickled out with the popularity of crowd-pleasers like “Jaws” and “Star Wars,” and the 1980s became the decade of action movies, blockbusters, and never-ending sequels. For instance, original action movies like the first “Rambo” film, “First Blood,” quickly became beloved hits. Meanwhile, follow-ups like “Rambo III” exasperated many critics.

Decades later, the ’80s lives on in new takes on old properties. That includes movies that were not very well regarded at the time, like 1982’s “Tron” and 1987’s “The Running Man.” Both got new installments in 2025, but while Edgar Wright’s “The Running Man” was a slight improvement on its predecessor, “Tron: Ares” got worse reviews than the original. Of course, only some bad ’80s movies experience continued interest. Others have been completely forgotten to time.

To find those forgettable films and some iconic stinkers, Stacker used data from IMDb to rank the worst movies of the 1980s—some loathed, some loved, and some loathed and loved simultaneously. The rankings are based on user reviews—the lower the rating, the worse the film, ranking it higher on the list. In the case of a tie, the movie with more user votes ranks higher on the list. These films have at least 25,000 user votes and were released between 1980 and 1989. Each movie’s Metascore is provided for critical context but does not impact the ranking.

Read on to learn which ’80s movies are the worst of the worst.

#50. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 6.0
– IMDb user votes: 52.5K
– Metascore: 30
– Run time: 86 minutes

Described as a “gory waste of time” by then-New York Times critic Caryn James, the sixth film in the “Friday the 13th” franchise sees villain Jason Voorhees accidentally revived from the dead and set on a new path of terror. Though the installment has a 53% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Jason Lives” maintains a number of fans and a few defensive critics. Among them, Trace Thurman of the “Horror Queers” podcast applauds director Tom McLoughlin’s “tongue-in-cheek approach.”

#49. Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter (1984)

– IMDb user rating: 6.0
– IMDb user votes: 60.7K
– Metascore: 33
– Run time: 91 minutes

Notably not the final chapter, “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” is only the fourth of 12 films in the franchise. The plot may sound familiar: Jason Voorhees, thought to be dead, goes on yet another rampant killing spree. While the film garnered mostly negative reviews, including a pan on “Siskel & Ebert” where critic Roger Ebert describes the film as an “immoral and reprehensible piece of trash,” Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly actually ranked the film as the best in the franchise in 2023.

#48. Firefox (1982)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 29.6K
– Metascore: 44
– Run time: 136 minutes

Clint Eastwood directs and stars in “Firefox,” which centers on a retired Air Force pilot’s mission to steal a dangerous jet fighter prototype from the Soviet Union. Based on a popular 1977 novel by Craig Thomas, the adaptation was widely ill-received. In The New York Times, critic Vincent Canby called the film “a James Bond movie without girls, a Superman movie without a sense of humor.”

#47. 9½ Weeks (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 44.4K
– Metascore: 50
– Run time: 117 minutes

Known for its steamier scenes, “9½ Weeks” features Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger playing strangers-turned-lovers who face obstacles amidst their ongoing sexual exploits. With mixed reviews, including praise from Roger Ebert, the film ended up doing quite well as a home video release. This didn’t stop the film from receiving three Golden Raspberry Award nominations, including Worst Actress for Basinger.

#46. Conan the Destroyer (1984)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 86.5K
– Metascore: 53
– Run time: 103 minutes

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular character, the action epic “Conan the Destroyer” follows Conan as he escorts a virgin princess to retrieve a jeweled horn (because it’s her destiny, of course). The sequel to “Conan the Barbarian,” the film has garnered a mostly negative reception amongst fans and critics. However, critics like Roger Ebert liked the movie, describing it as “funnier” and “more entertaining” than its predecessor.

#45. Look Who’s Talking (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 87.7K
– Metascore: 51
– Run time: 93 minutes

Directed by Amy Heckerling, “Look Who’s Talking” casts Bruce Willis as the narrating voice of baby Mikey, whose single mother (Kirstie Alley) develops a relationship with a charming taxi driver (John Travolta). The film grossed more than $140 million at the box office and spawned two sequels despite a mixed critical response, which included a Washington Post review saying that the movie’s concept “might have made a brilliant short” at best.

#44. Cocktail (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.9
– IMDb user votes: 93.2K
– Metascore: 12
– Run time: 104 minutes

In this Tom Cruise classic, the Hollywood icon plays a New York City bartender who takes a gig in Jamaica only to find himself falling in love with an artist (Elisabeth Shue). Despite being a box office success, the film was generally poorly reviewed and won Worst Picture and Worst Screenplay at the Razzie Awards.

#43. Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 59.6K
– Metascore: 34
– Run time: 88 minutes

Michael Myers returns to Haddonfield to hunt down his niece in this fourth installment of the “Halloween” franchise. The sequel did not dazzle critics. Writing for Empire in 2000, Kim Newman called the film “stupid, unscary, and plodding.” Still, “Halloween” fans remained loyal, and the film grossed nearly $18 million at the box office.

#42. Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 60.2K
– Metascore: 39
– Run time: 87 minutes

In this sequel, the “Police Academy” troop is assigned to a new precinct and must face a troublesome gang on the streets of an unnamed city. Though the movie was a success at the box office, critics were generally not amused. Empire critic Ian Nathan describes the film as having a “wafer thin plot” but with a “good number of laughs”—reason enough for the franchise to spawn five subsequent films.

#41. Over the Top (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 60.7K
– Metascore: 40
– Run time: 93 minutes

This 1980s Sylvester Stallone vehicle centers on a trucker named Lincoln Hawk, who is determined to win an arm wrestling championship and reunite with his estranged son. The film was not received well and was nominated for three Razzie Awards, with David Mendenhall winning both Worst Supporting Actor and Worst New Star.

#40. Cannibal Holocaust (1980)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 62.6K
– Metascore: 22
– Run time: 95 minutes

Controversial for its use of graphic violence, this Italian gore film follows a professor’s quest to recover the footage of a film crew who disappeared in the Amazon while documenting a cannibalistic Indigenous tribe. Reviews have been divided since the movie’s release. Slant Magazine’s Eric Henderson perhaps puts it best, saying the film is “artful enough to demand serious critical consideration, yet foul enough to christen you a pervert for even bothering.”

#39. The Blue Lagoon (1980)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 78K
– Metascore: 31
– Run time: 104 minutes

Based on a 1908 novel by Henry de Vere Stacpoole, “The Blue Lagoon” sees two shipwrecked children come of age (and sexual maturity) while stranded on an island. “The Blue Lagoon” did well at the box office and made enough cultural impact to produce a 1991 sequel and a 2012 Lifetime remake. Critics were not impressed by the film, though, and Brooke Shields took home the first-ever Worst Actress Razzie Award.

#38. Cobra (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 80.8K
– Metascore: 25
– Run time: 87 minutes

Another Sylvester Stallone action film for the list, “Cobra” follows a cop who must protect a lone witness from a diabolical cult. Though the film scored nearly $50 million at the box office, “Cobra” was one of Stallone’s weakest releases—financially and critically—of the decade. “Cobra” was nominated for a grand total of six Razzie Awards, including Worst Actor and Worst Screenplay for Stallone.

#37. Rambo III (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.8
– IMDb user votes: 142K
– Metascore: 36
– Run time: 102 minutes

Stallone persists in his dominance of this list with “Rambo III.” The third movie in the “Rambo” franchise takes the titular Vietnam vet on a dangerous rescue mission to Afghanistan. Stallone nabbed the Worst Actor Razzie Award for his role in the critically panned but financially successful film.

#36. Short Circuit 2 (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.7
– IMDb user votes: 27.2K
– Metascore: Data not available
– Run time: 110 minutes

In this sequel, robot Johnny Five goes to New York City with scientist Ben Jahveri and must avoid being exploited by criminals. The New York Times’ Vincent Canby wrote that watching “Short Circuit 2” as an adult is “as much fun as wearing wet sneakers.”

#35. Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.7
– IMDb user votes: 30.6K
– Metascore: 49
– Run time: 91 minutes

In the second installment of the “Poltergeist” series, the Freeling family moves to a new house, only to experience yet another supernatural haunting. Nina Darnton of The New York Times wrote, “The movie, like most sequels, has no reason for existing beyond the desire to duplicate a financial success.” The film pulled in about $41 million at the domestic box office and earned star Zelda Rubinstein a Razzie Award nomination for Worst Supporting Actress.

#34. Crocodile Dundee II (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.7
– IMDb user votes: 61.5K
– Metascore: 41
– Run time: 111 minutes

Paul Hogan returns as Mick Dundee in this sequel, which finds the Australian back in New York City, trying to protect his lover from the dangerous gangsters who have followed them. Critics were less than enthused about the follow-up film, with Janet Maslin of The New York Times saying that the sequel “lacks the sense to leave well enough alone.” “Crocodile Dundee II” did not perform quite as well as the original film at the box office, but still produced a 2001 sequel, “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles.”

#33. The Punisher (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 26.4K
– Metascore: 63
– Run time: 89 minutes

Dolph Lundgren stars in this Marvel comic adaptation about a vigilante assassin known only as The Punisher, who sets out to avenge the murder of his family. Though the film initially received mixed reviews, “The Punisher” has gone on to become a cult classic. A reboot of the film was released in 2004 and a TV series premiered in 2017, running for two seasons.

#32. Raw Deal (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 38.4K
– Metascore: 44
– Run time: 106 minutes

In “Raw Deal,” Arnold Schwarzenegger is an ex-FBI-agent-turned-small-town-sheriff, aiding the FBI in an undercover plot to take down the Chicago mafia. Both financially and critically disappointing, the film has been repeatedly compared to Sylvester Stallone’s “Cobra.” Vincent Canby wrote in The New York Times that “Though the language is vulgar, the macho posturing absurd, and some of the plotting inscrutable, ‘Raw Deal’ has a kind of seemliness to it.”

#31. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 39.1K
– Metascore: 42
– Run time: 101 minutes

Though not critically well received at the time of its premiere, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” has gone on to become a cult favorite like its predecessor. The sequel again has the cannibal family terrorizing an innocent. Though almost as controversial as the first film in the nine-film franchise, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2” failed to “outgross” the original, according to critic Roger Ebert.

#30. Children of the Corn (1984)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 58.3K
– Metascore: 45
– Run time: 92 minutes

Based on Stephen King’s short story, this supernatural horror centers on a religious cult of children who hunt down two adults trapped in their rural town. Though “Children of the Corn” has certainly become a horror classic, followed by multiple remakes and sequels, the film was not critically well received. Critic Roger Ebert lambasted the film, saying by the end of it, “the only thing moving behind the rows is the audience, fleeing to the exits.”

#29. Friday the 13th: Part 3 (1982)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 61.9K
– Metascore: 30
– Run time: 95 minutes

In this third installment of the “Friday the 13th” franchise, Jason Voorhees is back and once again lurking around Crystal Lake with murderous intentions. Many critics commented on the movie’s frequent use of 3D filming techniques. Slant Magazine’s Jeremiah Kipp explained that “Part 3” was “shot in such a way to capitalize on the brief fad of Reagan-era 3D movies.”

#28. A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.6
– IMDb user votes: 62.8K
– Metascore: 56
– Run time: 93 minutes

The fourth in 10 films of the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise, this sequel has villain Freddy Krueger once again infiltrating dreams, including those of a woman who might just be able to defeat him. Critics remain split on this installment, with Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times citing it as the best in the series and Time Out deriding the movie’s “variable special effects.”

#27. Earth Girls Are Easy (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.5
– IMDb user votes: 25.6K
– Metascore: 66
– Run time: 100 minutes

Blending elements of science-fiction and romance with an unforgettable soundtrack, this film has become a campy classic. Geena Davis stars as a Southern California gal who takes in three colorful, furry aliens (played by Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans). Roger Ebert described the film as silly but admitted that he “had fun watching it.”

#26. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.5
– IMDb user votes: 65K
– Metascore: 43
– Run time: 107 minutes

Directed by and starring William Shatner, the fifth film in the Star Trek franchise pits Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock against Spock’s estranged half-brother. The film was a box-office disappointment compared to its predecessors, and critics weren’t impressed, either. The New York Times’ Caryn James described Shatner’s directorial choices as a “misguided attempt to make this the biggest, grandest ‘Star Trek’ yet.”

#25. My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 28K
– Metascore: 47
– Run time: 105 minutes

This campy science-fiction comedy stars Kim Basinger as an alien sent to Earth to seduce a physicist (Dan Aykroyd) for his research. Critics generally panned the film, with Roger Ebert explaining that “the screenplay never seems to realize the comic potential of the situation.”

#24. Popeye (1980)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 35.4K
– Metascore: 64
– Run time: 114 minutes

Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Robert Altman and starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall, the adaptation of the classic “Popeye” comics was a surprise critical bust at the time of its 1980 release. The film’s reception has warmed over time, though, and in 2014, Eric Spitznagel of Vanity Fair cited it as the best movie that Robin Williams ever made.

#23. Maximum Overdrive (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 36.9K
– Metascore: 24
– Run time: 98 minutes

A horror film about sentient homicidal machines, “Maximum Overdrive” is an adaptation of a 1978 Stephen King short story called “Trucks.” The film was a critical and box office flop, grossing just $7 million worldwide. King was nominated for Worst Director and Emilio Estevez for Worst Actor at the 1987 Razzie Awards.

#22. Masters of the Universe (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 45.3K
– Metascore: 35
– Run time: 106 minutes

Based on the Mattel-created character He-Man, this live-action film starring Dolph Lundgren depicts the warrior in an epic battle against his nemesis, Skeletor (Frank Langella). The film bombed at the box office and critics were not forgiving. “Masters of the Universe” still has its fans, though, and in 2012 Slant critic Glenn Heath Jr. gave the movie a more lighthearted review, encouraging viewers to “cherish” the film’s broader themes.

#21. Police Academy 3: Back in Training (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 49.4K
– Metascore: 33
– Run time: 83 minutes

“Police Academy 3: Back in Training” did not redeem the critical failure of its two predecessors in the “Police Academy” franchise. In this installment, the crew of misfit police officers go back to school to teach a new group of recruits. The film drew crowds and big ticket sales, but critic Kevin Thomas of the Los Angeles Times panned the film, writing, “The most you can say for ‘Police Academy 3: Back in Training’ is that it’s no worse than ‘Police Academy 2’—which was awful.”

#20. A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge (1985)

– IMDb user rating: 5.4
– IMDb user votes: 79K
– Metascore: 43
– Run time: 87 minutes

In this sequel, Freddy Krueger returns to haunting dreams, stalking the mind of a teenage boy he hopes to possess. Though the film received a positive review in The New York Times, the reception overall was largely mixed. “A Nightmare on Elm Street 2” has since reached cult-classic status and is remembered for its queer subtext.

#19. The Karate Kid Part III (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.3
– IMDb user votes: 70.6K
– Metascore: 36
– Run time: 112 minutes

In the third installment of the “Karate Kid” franchise, series villain John Kreese seeks revenge against Miyagi and Daniel with help from a Vietnam War veteran. Caryn James of The New York Times saw the film’s lack of character development and “sluggish script” as two of the movie’s biggest cinematic failures. The film was nominated for a grand total of five Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture.

#18. Friday the 13th: The New Blood (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 5.2
– IMDb user votes: 43.4K
– Metascore: 13
– Run time: 88 minutes

Screenwriters Daryl Haney and Manuel Fidello took some creative liberties with the seventh movie in the “Friday the 13th” franchise. The movie centers on a telekinetic teenager, who accidentally brings Jason Voorhees back to the surface of Crystal Lake once again. The film received mostly negative reviews, with Gene Siskel of the Chicago Tribune pointing out the entire franchise’s misogynistic undertones.

#17. Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

– IMDb user rating: 5.2
– IMDb user votes: 62.1K
– Metascore: 50
– Run time: 98 minutes

The only film in the “Halloween” franchise that doesn’t feature masked villain Michael Myers, “Halloween III” follows Dr. Daniel Challis as he uncovers a murderous plot that uses Halloween masks as weapons of destruction. The film received largely negative reviews, and Roger Ebert called it a “low-rent thriller.”

#16. The Fly II (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.1
– IMDb user votes: 25.1K
– Metascore: 36
– Run time: 105 minutes

The sequel to “The Fly” features only one of the actors from the original movie and tells the story of Brundlefly’s son, who seeks a cure for his fly-like mutated genes. The film was widely panned by critics; Janet Maslin of The New York Times wrote that the sequel had “no comparable wit or depth” to its predecessor.

#15. Red Sonja (1985)

– IMDb user rating: 5.1
– IMDb user votes: 45.5K
– Metascore: 35
– Run time: 89 minutes

Based on the comic book series of the same name, this action film follows warrior Red Sonja in a quest for vengeance against those who murdered her family. The film received horrendous critical reviews upon release, including a humorous take from Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. The Razzies awarded actor Brigitte Nielsen the Worst New Star award for her portrayal of Red Sonja.

#14. Cyborg (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.0
– IMDb user votes: 35K
– Metascore: 24
– Run time: 86 minutes

In “Cyborg,” action star Jean-Claude Van Damme plays a martial artist hunting down a killer in a dystopian future. The film was a critical flop and currently stands at a measly 22% on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, “Cyborg” generated two sequels—both of which fared equally poorly among viewers.

#13. Police Academy 4: Citizens on Patrol (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 5.0
– IMDb user votes: 46.4K
– Metascore: 26
– Run time: 88 minutes

The misfits of the “Police Academy” franchise are back in this fourth installment, now training civilian volunteers. Once again, the universally negative critical reviews did not deter moviegoers, and the sequel sold more than $28 million in tickets. Kevin Thomas’ Los Angeles Times review attempted to make sense of the phenomenon, saying, “What’s so amazing about the ‘Police Academy’ movies is that they keep being made even though they stopped being funny after the hilarious original.”

#12. A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Dream Child (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 5.0
– IMDb user votes: 51.6K
– Metascore: 54
– Run time: 89 minutes

In the fifth installment of the “Nightmare on Elm Street” franchise, Freddy Krueger attempts to possess a fetus, hoping to be reborn into the world. Reviews were tepid at best, with Variety describing “The Dream Child” as “a poorly constructed special effects showcase.”

#11. Superman III (1983)

– IMDb user rating: 5.0
– IMDb user votes: 75.8K
– Metascore: 44
– Run time: 125 minutes

Christopher Reeve co-stars with comedian Richard Pryor in the third film adaptation of the comic book series, which pits Superman against an evil computer genius. The film did well at the box office, grossing more than $80 million worldwide, but suffered in reviews. Pryor was nominated for the Worst Supporting Actor Razzie, while Giorgio Moroder was nominated for Worst Musical Score.

#10. Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 4.9
– IMDb user votes: 47.9K
– Metascore: 28
– Run time: 96 minutes

The fifth film of the “Halloween” franchise sees Michael Myers return to kill his niece, who has been rendered mute. Upon the movie’s release, many critics expressed weariness at the series’ now-repetitive plot and tricks. In his New York Times review of the film, Stephen Holden wrote, “Each new installment of the ‘Halloween’ series is rather like taking another swing through the same all-too-familiar funhouse.”

#9. Friday the 13th: A New Beginning (1985)

– IMDb user rating: 4.8
– IMDb user votes: 45.1K
– Metascore: 16
– Run time: 92 minutes

A traumatized Tommy Jarvis must face a new hockey-masked murderer in the fifth “Friday the 13th” movie—which, notably, does not feature Jason Voorhees. In the Chicago Tribune, Gene Siskel complained that the film had “little suspense.”

#8. Howard the Duck (1986)

– IMDb user rating: 4.7
– IMDb user votes: 51.7K
– Metascore: 28
– Run time: 110 minutes

Based on the exploits of a Marvel character, “Howard the Duck” follows the titular character, a humanoid alien duck, as he attempts to stop an invasion of planet Earth. The film has sustained a cult following, despite negative critical reviews and bombing at the box office. The film won four Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture; a few years later, “Howard the Duck” earned a nomination for Worst Picture of the Decade.

#7. Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (1988)

– IMDb user rating: 4.6
– IMDb user votes: 38.9K
– Metascore: 18
– Run time: 90 minutes

The first film in the franchise to not star Steve Guttenberg, the fifth “Police Academy” brings the misfits to a police convention in Miami Beach. By this point, critics had more than had enough of the series—Caryn James declared in The New York Times that “the formula is pretty long in the tooth by now.”

#6. Grease 2 (1982)

– IMDb user rating: 4.6
– IMDb user votes: 39.1K
– Metascore: 52
– Run time: 115 minutes

After “Grease” became a beloved musical classic, “Grease 2” was inevitable. Also a musical, “Grease 2” stars Michelle Pfeiffer and gender swaps the stereotypes portrayed in the first film. Though “Grease 2” did not earn the same box office numbers or critical success as its predecessor, the film has gone on to become a campy favorite. Some fans even claim that the sequel is better than the original.

#5. Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 4.5
– IMDb user votes: 44.1K
– Metascore: 14
– Run time: 100 minutes

In the eighth “Friday the 13th” movie, Jason Voorhees is awakened and terrorizes a group of high school students on a boat heading toward Manhattan. Critics did not praise the film; the New York Daily News noted that “Jason Takes Manhattan” “grossly underutilizes its promising premise.”

#4. Police Academy 6: City Under Siege (1989)

– IMDb user rating: 4.4
– IMDb user votes: 33.6K
– Metascore: 16
– Run time: 84 minutes

Original star Steve Guttenberg didn’t return to the “Police Academy” franchise for the sixth film, but that didn’t stop the rest of the central crew from returning to take on crime in the city streets. Chris Wellman wrote of the film in the Los Angeles Times, “To know these 84 minutes is to know an endless living death.” Today, “City Under Siege” has a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes.

#3. Jaws 3-D (1983)

– IMDb user rating: 3.7
– IMDb user votes: 49.3K
– Metascore: 27
– Run time: 99 minutes

Much like its predecessors, “Jaws 3-D” features a villain in the form of a giant, murderous shark—this time, trapped in the SeaWorld amusement park. The 3D film flopped financially in comparison to the two previous movies in the series and was nominated for five Razzie Awards, including Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Screenplay.

#2. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 3.7
– IMDb user votes: 53.6K
– Metascore: 24
– Run time: 90 minutes

In “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace,” Christopher Reeve returns for the final time as the superhero, facing up against a new villain called Nuclear Man. The film was ultimately a failure with critics and audiences, for which Janet Maslin of The New York Times blamed the “chintzy” flying sequences and the “perfunctory” special effects. The film was nominated for two Razzie Awards: Worst Supporting Actress and Worst Visual Effects.

#1. Jaws: The Revenge (1987)

– IMDb user rating: 3.0
– IMDb user votes: 50.5K
– Metascore: 15
– Run time: 89 minutes

The final film in the Jaws franchise sees a giant shark following Chief Brody’s family in search of revenge. With 2% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is regarded as a spectacularly bad sequel. Roger Ebert described “Jaws: The Revenge” as “not simply a bad movie, but also a stupid and incompetent one.” The film was nominated for seven Razzie Awards and won for Worst Visual Effects.

Data reporting by Karim Noorani. Story editing by Cu Fleshman. Copy editing by Tim Bruns.

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Careers & Education

20 Side Hustle Ideas to Boost Your Income in 2026

20 Side Hustle Ideas to Boost Your Income in 2026
By Cassie Moorhead for Upwork
16 min read • Originally published December 10, 2025 / Updated March 19, 2026
By Cassie Moorhead for Upwork
16 min read • Originally published December 10, 2025 / Updated March 19, 2026

Dogs taken to a winter park by their walker.

candy candy // Shutterstock

20 side hustle ideas to make extra money during the holidays and in 2026

The traditional path of working a full-time job until retirement is changing. More people are now exploring creative, flexible ways to earn extra income and build financial freedom on their own terms, especially as holiday expenses approach and a new year brings fresh goals. That’s where freelance side hustles come in. A side hustle is like your own small business you manage alongside your regular part-time or full-time job.

If you’re interested in picking up a side hustle, you have many different options to choose from. Side hustles aren’t one-size-fits-all. The right fit plays to your strengths, works with your schedule, and helps you reach your financial goals, whether you’re saving up for a big purchase or trying to supplement your income. Maybe podcasting or dog walking is your thing. Maybe you’re drawn to tutoring or virtual assistance. No matter if you lean toward in-person work or online opportunities, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Holiday costs can sneak up fast, and planning for the new year starts now. These 20 side hustle ideas can help you bring in extra income and choose a gig that supports your goals. Upwork, an online marketplace for hiring skilled freelancers, shares ideas to help find the best fit for you.

How to choose your freelance side hustle

A July 2025 Bankrate survey found that 27% of U.S. adults currently have a side hustle, and 29% of those with a side gig say they believe they’ll always need one to make ends meet.

Not every freelance side hustle is right for everyone. The best fit depends on your skills, your goals, and how much time and effort you’re able to put in.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine if a side hustle is right for you and which paths make the most sense:

  • How much time do I have each week? Some side hustles are quick to start (like tutoring or dog walking). Others, like blogging or e-commerce, take longer to build.
  • What skills can I monetize? If you already have a marketable skill, such as being a writer, graphic designer, or organizer, look for gigs that pay for those strengths.
  • Do I want to work online or in person? Remote-friendly side hustles like virtual assistance or content creation usually offer more flexibility. In-person gigs like pet sitting or delivery often offer faster cash.
  • How much money can I invest up front? Some options (like freelancing or tutoring) have low startup costs. Others (like drop-shipping or podcasting) might require equipment, subscriptions, or inventory.
  • What’s my goal, extra money or a new career? Short-term gigs help you make money fast. But many side hustles can grow into full-time freelance work if you want to scale up.

If you’re not sure where to start, freelancing platforms can make it easy to test different ideas, build your reputation, and find work that fits your goals.

Debunking common freelance side hustle myths

Before you dive into your first side gig, be sure that you have the right expectations. There’s a lot of noise out there about freelancing and making money online. These quick myth-busters can help you get started with confidence:

  • Myth: You need to be an expert to start. In reality, there’s a wide range of project types and budgets on Upwork, and many freelancers begin with small, simple jobs to build experience and confidence before taking on larger opportunities.
  • Myth: You have to quit your full-time job. Freelance side hustles are designed to be flexible. You can start with one or two projects a week and scale up only if and when you’re ready.
  • Myth: You need to have a huge portfolio. A few focused, outcome-driven samples are often better than a long list. If you’re new, you can build mock projects or offer low-stakes gigs to get started.
  • Myth: Freelancers have to do everything on their own. Tools like Canva, Grammarly, and Trello help you streamline your work, even if you’re just getting started.
  • Myth: You won’t stand out on big platforms. When you optimize your profile, highlight the value you bring, and write thoughtful, tailored proposals, clients notice. Strong communication, industry know-how, and a clear value proposition go a long way.

Freelancing side hustles

As a freelancer, you can turn your unique talents and skills into a side gig. As an independent professional, you’re essentially your own boss and can manage different projects that align with your skills and interests alongside your day job.

Plenty of businesses are looking for skills from freelance writing and editing to graphic design or web development, and the best part is that many of these projects can be done remotely.

The beauty of freelancing is the flexibility it gives you and the chance to turn your spare time into extra income. Here are some popular freelancing jobs.‍

1. Writing and editing services

As a writer or editor, your side gig could be producing engaging blog posts and insightful articles or lending your proofreading prowess to polish existing content. Businesses and individuals are always on the hunt for talented wordsmiths to help their messages stand out.

  • Skills required. Strong writing and editing abilities, a solid grasp of grammar and language, and a meticulous eye for detail.
  • Potential earnings. Your earnings will depend on how many projects you take on and their complexity. On average, freelance writers and editors can expect to make around $40 to $45 per hour, but earnings can increase as you build your reputation and portfolio.

2. Graphic design and digital art

Graphic designers use their creative skills and proficiency in design software to create visual elements and digital products, such as logos, brochures, and infographics. Graphic design gigs could be the perfect side hustle if you’re creative, artistic, and familiar with design software.

  • Skills required.‍ You’re best suited for these roles if you are creative and have an eye for aesthetics and a strong grasp of design software like Adobe Creative Suite. An understanding of current design trends is a plus.
  • Potential earnings. Your earnings will depend on the complexity of the projects you undertake and your experience. However, freelance graphic designers can generally expect to earn around $15 to $30 per hour.

3. Web development and design

If you’re comfortable creating or updating websites, web development and design could be a solid side hustle. Small businesses and online shops often need help building or refreshing their sites, and they’re usually willing to pay for quality work.

  • Skills required. Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is a must. You’ll also need a good understanding of user experience design, WordPress, troubleshooting abilities, and familiarity with web development tools.
  • Potential earnings. Earnings can range widely based on your expertise and the projects you take on. However, freelance web developers and designers typically earn anywhere between $15 and $30 per hour.

4. AI content support and optimization

As AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude become more popular, many businesses are looking for help using them effectively. Freelancers with strong writing, research, or digital marketing skills can support clients by generating, editing, or refining AI-assisted content. This includes tasks like cleaning up AI-generated blog posts, customizing chatbot responses, or helping clients develop effective prompts for specific use cases.

  • Skills required. Strong writing or editing skills, familiarity with AI tools like ChatGPT, and the ability to understand client goals and translate them into effective prompts or content.
  • Potential earnings. Rates vary depending on your niche and deliverables, but AI content support roles typically pay between $30 and $60 per hour, often more for technical or strategic work.

E-commerce side hustles

E-commerce is a great option if you want a side hustle you can run almost completely online. You can explore everything from reselling products to launching a small brand, giving you plenty of creative ways to earn extra income and get your business off the ground, while working from home.

You can start small and scale as your budget and schedule allow, which makes e-commerce a flexible option for busy students or working professionals. Whether you’re flipping thrift store finds or selling handmade products, e-commerce can be a great way to make money online.

5. Drop-shipping

Drop shipping is an e-commerce method in which you sell products online without having to handle inventory or shipping. When a customer purchases from your online store, you forward the order to a third-party supplier who fulfills the order for you using platforms like Shopify. Efficient systems can turn drop-shipping into a steady source of passive income.

  • Skills required. You’ll need strong research skills to find profitable products and trustworthy suppliers, basic knowledge of eCommerce platforms, and customer service skills to address any issues that might come up.
  • Potential earnings. Earnings from drop-shipping can vary widely depending on your products, pricing, and marketing efforts. However, successful drop-shippers can earn anywhere from a few hundred to a thousand dollars per month.

6. Print-on-demand merchandise

Print-on-demand merchandise allows you to sell custom-designed items like T-shirts, mugs, and posters without worrying about inventory or shipping. You create your designs and list them on a platform. When a customer makes a purchase, your print-on-demand provider prints the item and ships it directly to the customer. Print–on-demand is a creative way to earn extra income with minimal startup costs.

  • Skills required. You should have some design skills and creativity. Familiarity with e-commerce platforms and basic marketing skills to promote your products would also be beneficial.
  • Potential earnings. Earnings depend on the price of your products and the volume of your sales, but successful print-on-demand sellers can make around $27 per hour.

7. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is about promoting other creators’ products and earning a commission for each sale made through your referral link. The rise of social media and subscription-based platforms has opened the door to more remote affiliate opportunities than ever.

  • ‍Skills required. You’ll need to be persuasive and have a good understanding of digital marketing and social media. You’ll also need to be able to identify which products will resonate with your audience.
  • ‍Potential earnings. The earning potential in affiliate marketing can vary. It largely depends on the products you’re promoting, the commission rate, and how effectively you can market them to your audience. However, successful affiliate marketers can make anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand per month.

Content creation side hustles

Content plays a huge role in how people learn, connect, and make decisions online, and creators are at the center of it all. Whether you’re a strong writer, have a voice made for podcasting, know how to engage an audience on social media, or can create digital products like courses or templates, there’s space for you in the world of content creation.

As a side job, content creation lets you use your strengths, share what you know, and earn money doing something you enjoy. Let’s look at some of the most common content creation avenues and how you can turn your creativity into income.

8. Blogging and vlogging

Blogging and vlogging are about sharing personal experiences, insights, or skills through written or video content. Whether you’re passionate about cooking, traveling, or tech, you can share your interest and knowledge with the world via a blog, Twitch stream, or YouTube channel.

  • Skills required. You’ll need strong writing skills for blogging and video editing skills for vlogging. You’ll also need to understand your target audience and create engaging content that speaks to them.
  • Potential earnings. Earnings can vary greatly based on the niche, audience size, and monetization strategy. The average YouTuber only makes $0.025 per view, so the number of views needs to be quite high to earn real money. The average blogger makes around $25 per hour.

9. Podcasting

Podcasting enables you to share your voice and views on topics ranging from personal finance (like managing student loans or credit cards) to true crime or pop culture. As a podcaster, you can connect with audiences who share your interests by creating engaging conversations and informative segments.

  • Skills required. Strong communication skills are necessary. You’ll also need a good understanding of your chosen topic, basic audio recording and editing skills, and a knack for storytelling.
  • Potential earnings. Much like blogging and vlogging, your earnings as a podcaster can greatly vary. It depends on factors such as the size of your audience, sponsorship deals, and advertising rates. The average podcast host makes $16 per hour.

10. Social media influencing

Social media influencers use platforms like Instagram and TikTok to build a following and engage with an audience. Influencers often collaborate with brands to promote products or services, turning their popularity into profit.

  • Skills required. This gig calls for creativity, strong communication skills, and an understanding of social media trends and platform algorithms. Building an engaged follower base is also an important part of the job.
  • Potential earnings. Earnings can vary dramatically depending on your follower count, engagement rate, and the platforms you use. Micro-influencers (with 10,000 to 100,000 followers) may make $50 to $500 per post, while high-profile influencers can earn thousands or even tens of thousands per post.

Virtual assistant side hustles

Virtual assistance, which ranges from administrative tasks and technical assistance to creative services, is a growing avenue for side hustlers wanting flexible, remote work schedules. Virtual assistants often take on tasks like scheduling, correspondence, and social media support, which makes it a flexible and rewarding side job

11. Social media management

As a social media manager, you handle a client’s social media profiles, develop strategies, create content, schedule posts, and engage with followers. It’s a good side hustle for those adept at using social media platforms and understanding their algorithms.

  • Skills required. A strong understanding of different social media platforms, content creation, marketing strategies, and good communication skills is essential.
  • Potential earnings. Your earnings will depend on the scale and complexity of the projects you undertake. Generally, freelance social media managers can expect to earn between $14 and $35 per hour.

12. Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping involves managing a client’s financial records, including tracking revenues and expenses, processing invoices, and preparing financial reports.

  • Skills required. You’ll need strong numerical skills, proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero, and meticulous attention to detail. Familiarity with financial reporting is a plus.
  • Potential earnings. Freelance bookkeepers can generally expect to earn between $11 and $25 per hour.

13. Data entry virtual assistant

As a data entry virtual assistant, your role involves accurately inputting and organizing information into databases or spreadsheets.

  • Skills required. Attention to detail, fast and accurate typing and transcription skills, familiarity with data entry software, and basic computer literacy are essential for this work.
  • Potential earnings. Data entry virtual assistants typically earn around $10 to $20 per hour, depending on the complexity and volume of the tasks.

14. Real estate assistant

As a real estate assistant, you’ll be helping real estate agents with tasks such as managing property listings, scheduling showings, liaising with potential buyers or renters, and assisting with marketing efforts.

  • Skills required. These roles require excellent organizational skills, strong communication abilities, and a basic understanding of the real estate market. Proficiency with real estate listing platforms and customer relationship management software can also be helpful.
  • Potential earnings. The income for this role can vary based on your level of experience and the specific tasks involved, but the average hourly rate for real estate assistants is $23.

Online teaching side hustles

Online tutoring side hustles offer a flexible and rewarding way to share your expertise in academic subjects or language instruction with students in need, all from the comfort of your home.

If you excel in math, science, languages, or humanities, or have a flair for teaching English or other languages, online tutoring platforms may be for you. They provide opportunities to earn additional income on your own schedule.

15. Tutoring academic subjects

Tutoring in academic subjects lets you share your expertise in specific fields, such as mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities, with students who need help. You’ll assist with homework, prepare students for exams, and help them understand difficult concepts.

  • Skills required. To be an academic tutor, you need in-depth knowledge of the subject you’ll be tutoring, strong communication skills, patience, and an ability to teach concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
  • Potential earnings. Freelance tutors can expect to earn between $20 and $40 per hour.

16. Language instruction

Teaching a language as a tutor allows you to help students improve their language skills, including speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension. This could involve teaching English or another language to non-native speakers, helping students prepare for language exams, or providing conversational practice.

  • Skills required. You need fluency in the language you’ll be teaching, strong communication skills, and patience. Experience with teaching or a certification in language instruction can also be helpful, such as a TEFL certification to teach English.
  • Potential earnings. Language tutors can typically expect to earn about $27 per hour.

17. Music or art lessons

Offering music or art lessons allows you to share your expertise and passion with students eager to learn creative skills.

  • Skills required. Proficiency in the chosen musical instrument or art form, effective teaching methods, patience, and the ability to adapt to students’ learning styles are crucial.
  • Potential earnings. Earnings can vary widely based on your skill level, the demand for your expertise, and the location, but music or art instructors often make around $16 to $30 per hour.

Home and personal services

Home services cover a diverse range of tasks that typically involve providing specific services to homeowners, such as landscaping, repairs, cleaning, and more. For instance, you could walk dogs, a job that keeps you active and enables you to spend time outdoors. Platforms like TaskRabbit can be a useful resource for finding jobs in these categories, making it easier to connect with clients who need your help.

Cleaning services are also in high demand, especially for Airbnb hosts looking to maintain their properties.

Since these jobs generally require you to be physically present, you’ll have to have a car or other means of transportation. Let’s explore some of these home services in greater detail.

18. Food or grocery delivery

You could join the services gig economy with grocery or food delivery through platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart. In food or grocery delivery gig jobs, you transport orders from restaurants or stores to customers’ locations.

  • Skills required. Good time management, navigation skills, customer service, and the ability to handle food safely are essential for this role.
  • Potential earnings. Earnings vary based on location, tips, and order volume, but delivery drivers can make around $18 per hour, plus tips.

19. Dog walking and pet sitting

As a dog walker or pet sitter, you care for people’s pets, providing services like feeding, walking, and playing with them.

  • Skills required. A love for animals, patience, reliability, and physical stamina.
  • ‍Potential earnings. Dog walkers make about $17 per hour.

20. Babysitting

As a babysitter, you care for children while their parents are away, keeping them safe, feeding them, and engaging them with games or educational activities.

  • Skills required. Great babysitters have patience, communication skills, creativity, and basic first-aid skills.
  • Potential earnings. On average, babysitters earn about $18 per hour.
    What is the best way to start a side hustle?

Starting a side hustle doesn’t have to be hard. It’s all about figuring out what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and how much time you have. You might be a natural with language, or maybe you’re a whiz at graphic design. Perhaps you love writing or programming. Whatever it is, your skills and interests can guide you to the right side hustle with a flexible schedule.

FAQs about freelance side hustles

Thinking about starting a freelance side hustle, but not sure where to begin? These common questions can help you find clarity, build momentum, and take action, even if you’re a beginner starting from scratch.

What is the most profitable freelance side hustle?

Freelance side hustles that require specialized skills, like web design, UX/UI, SEO consulting, or software development, often bring in the highest rates. Writing, social media management, and virtual assistance can also be highly profitable once you build experience and connect with the right clients. In general, the side hustles that solve business-critical problems tend to pay more.

Can I freelance while working a full-time job?

Yes. Freelancing is one of the most flexible side gigs because you control your schedule. Many freelancers start with 5–10 hours per week outside their day job. Just make sure to check any noncompete or conflict-of-interest clauses if you’re currently employed.

Do I need a business license to start freelancing?

In most cases, no. You can begin freelancing as a sole proprietor without a license. However, local laws vary, especially if you plan to scale your side hustle into a full-time business. It’s a good idea to research local tax and licensing requirements.

How do I get clients for my freelance side hustle?

Start by creating a clear profile on a freelancing platform like Upwork. From there, apply to jobs that match your skills, write tailored proposals, and build a strong portfolio. Many side hustlers also find clients through word of mouth, LinkedIn, and industry communities.

What’s the difference between a freelancer and a side hustler?

A freelancer is someone who works independently for clients, usually on a project basis. A side hustler is anyone earning money outside of their primary job. Freelancing is one type of side hustle, especially popular because it’s flexible, scalable, and low-cost to start.

Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this article. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

This story was produced by Upwork, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Topics:

Careers & Education
Entertainment

10 Cannabis Films That Prove the Genre Is More Than Stoner Comedies

10 Cannabis Films That Prove the Genre Is More Than Stoner Comedies
By Abby Monteil
5 min read • Originally published December 11, 2025 / Updated March 19, 2026
By Abby Monteil
5 min read • Originally published December 11, 2025 / Updated March 19, 2026

Rory Cochrane holding a bong, talking to another student, in a scene from Dazed and Confused.

Gramercy Pictures // Getty Images

10 great cannabis films that aren’t dumb comedies

There’s a unique pleasure to enjoying silly stoner comedies like “Half Baked” while under the influence, but critics don’t traditionally regard these movies as cinematic classics. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t exceptions to the rule.

To help you find some of these higher-brow cannabis films, Stacker surveyed the history of stoner movies, from “Dazed and Confused” to “The Beach Bum,” and picked 10 movies to spotlight due to their skillful filmmaking and unexpectedly thoughtful storytelling. IMDb user scores and Metascore, as of Dec. 10, 2025, provide context on popularity and critical reception.

Some of these movies, like “Koyaanisqatsi” and “Waking Life,” utilize unconventional filmmaking techniques to pose heady philosophical questions. Others, such as the cult-classic comedy “Friday,” combat negative stereotypes about Black Americans while simultaneously capturing the hilarious misadventures of kicking back with your best friend. Either way, you’re bound to have a good time no matter what state you find yourself in—there are plenty of stoner-friendly films worth a watch for high and sober moviegoers alike.

So sit back, relax, and read on to find out where your favorite artsy stoner movie ranks on this list of 10 of the best cannabis films that aren’t dumb comedies.

A scene from the film Koyaanisqatsi, with two middle-aged men walking down a busy New York City street.

American Zoetrope

Koyaanisqatsi (1982)

– Director: Godfrey Reggio
– IMDb user rating: 8.2
– Metascore: 72
– Runtime: 86 minutes

“Koyaanisqatsi” is the first installment in director Godfrey Reggio’s “The Qatsi Trilogy,” which encompasses three non-narrative films. Named for the Hopi word meaning “life out of balance,” the movie uses slow-motion and time-lapse footage to demonstrate how humanity has grown apart from nature through technology and modern civilization. If you tend to get existentialist when you’re high, “Koyaanisqatsi” is the cannabis movie for you.

Anthony Rapp and Adam Goldberg talking outside in a scene from Dazed and Confused.

Alphaville Films

Dazed and Confused (1993)

– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 82
– Runtime: 103 minutes

“Dazed and Confused” follows several teenagers on their last day of school in Austin, Texas, in 1976. From hooking up to confronting bullies to smoking a lot of weed, critics and audiences have praised the characters’ romp for their authentic portrayal of teen life. Richard Linklater’s classic also helped launch the careers of several movie stars, including Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey, and Parker Posey.

Chris Tucker, Ice Cube, and Bernie Mac in front of a house in a scene in Friday.

Priority Films (I)

Friday (1995)

– Director: F. Gary Gray
– IMDb user rating: 7.2
– Metascore: 54
– Runtime: 91 minutes

The stoner comedy “Friday” follows best friends Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and Smokey (Chris Tucker) as they deal with misadventures around their neighborhood while rushing to come up with the money Smokey owes their local drug dealer. Co-screenwriters Ice Cube and DJ Pooh have been open about writing the film to challenge harmful tropes about the “hood” through more optimistic, free-wheeling laughs.

The box office success of “Friday” sparked two sequels: 2000’s “Next Friday” and 2002’s “Friday After Next.”

A scene from The Big Lebowski with Jeff Bridges guiding the arm of Julianne Moore who is holding a bowling ball and wearing a viking costume.

Polygram Filmed Entertainment

The Big Lebowski (1998)

– Directors: Joel Coen
– IMDb user rating: 8.1
– Metascore: 71
– Runtime: 117 minutes

When it comes to iconic stoner characters, you’d be hard-pressed to find one more high-profile than Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, the slacker at the center of the Coen brothers’ “The Big Lebowski.” The Dude’s laid-back existence quickly turns upside down after he’s mistaken for a millionaire with the same name and becomes entangled in a complex criminal scheme.

In recent years, the film has gained a loyal cult following, receiving praise for its eclectic dialogue, soundtrack, and well-realized, fantastical dream sequences.

Johnny Depp with a cigarette in his mouth in the passenger seat of a convertible with Benicio Del Toro driving in a scene from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Shark Productions

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

– Director: Terry Gilliam
– IMDb user rating: 7.5
– Metascore: 41
– Runtime: 118 minutes

Gonzo journalism icon Hunter S. Thompson was heavily involved in this film adaptation of his seminal 1971 stoner novel “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.” The film stars Johnny Depp as an eccentric journalist and Benicio del Toro as his attorney as they cross the Mojave Desert with drugs in tow. While they dodge legal action, the two become increasingly under the influence.

Although Thompson’s book was once considered unfilmable, director Terry Gilliam managed to straddle the line between its fantastical stoner sequences and the reality of the main characters’ situation in magnificent psychedelic fashion.

Kate Hudson and Patrick Fugit talking to someone in a scene from Almost Famous.

Dreamworks Pictures

Almost Famous (2000)

– Director: Cameron Crowe
– IMDb user rating: 7.9
– Metascore: 90
– Runtime: 122 minutes

Based on filmmaker Cameron Crowe’s real-life experiences writing for Rolling Stone as a teenager, “Almost Famous” follows young aspiring journalist William as he goes on the road with the fictional rock band Stillwater to write his first cover story. The movie is full of plenty of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, but it also won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, proving its poignant power.

An animated image of Guy Forsyth playing a ukulele in Waking Life.

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Waking Life (2001)

– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb user rating: 7.6
– Metascore: 85
– Runtime: 99 minutes

“Waking Life” is one of Linklater’s most surreal films to date, making it a unique watch for existentialists and those flying high alike. The animated movie centers on an unnamed man who wanders through a series of dreamlike, abstract realities, conversing with the people he meets about philosophy and humanity’s place in the universe. While watching, viewers are encouraged to consider the deeper questions behind “Waking Life’s” psychedelic visuals.

An animated image of Keanu Reeves in a parking lot in A Scanner Darkly.

Thousand Words

A Scanner Darkly (2006)

– Director: Richard Linklater
– IMDb user rating: 7
– Metascore: 73
– Runtime: 100 minutes

Based on Philip K. Dick’s 1977 novel, “A Scanner Darkly” takes place in a future where large swaths of the United States population are addicted to a hallucinatory drug called Substance D while being subjected to dystopian, near-constant police surveillance. Keanu Reeves stars in the movie as an undercover cop who traverses the underworld of Substance D users and begins to lose his grip on reality.

Linklater and his team brought the story to life using rotoscope animation, an approach where animators trace live-action footage to create a hand-drawn style. The film offers an engaging animation experience while exploring the complexities of substance use and law enforcement oversight in contemporary society.

Joaquin Phoenix, wearing a recording device on a strap, standing next to Owen Wilson holding a saxophone in Inherent Vice.

Warner Bros.

Inherent Vice (2014)

– Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
– IMDb user rating: 6.6
– Metascore: 81
– Runtime: 148 minutes

Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Inherent Vice,” based on the 2009 novel by Thomas Pynchon of the same name, has the bones of a silly comedy but easily transcends the genre thanks to its intricate story, high-quality production, and veteran ensemble cast. Joaquin Phoenix plays stoner private detective Larry “Doc” Sportello. Doc’s ex hires him to track down her wealthy new paramour, whose wife is conspiring to commit him to a mental hospital. Doc also handles two more potentially related cases as the movie progresses.

Featuring long, hazy sequences that fade into each other, “Inherent Vice” captures the feeling of being high while managing to dovetail between Doc’s overlapping cases.

Matthew McConaughey hugging Stefania LaVie Owen in a wedding dress, while standing next to Snoop Dogg, Jimmy Buffett, and Joshua Ritter, along with two other men, in The Beach Bum.

Grisbi Productions, Le

The Beach Bum (2019)

– Director: Harmony Korine
– IMDb user rating: 5.5
– Metascore: 55
– Runtime: 95 minutes

IndieWire’s Christian Zilko once remarked, “If you haven’t seen [‘The Beach Bum’] while stoned, it’s safe to say you haven’t seen it at all.” This A24 entry tells the story of stoner poet Moondog (Matthew McConaughey), who struggles to finish his next book following an unexpected loss. The movie’s ensemble cast includes actor Isla Fisher and iconic cannabis enthusiast Snoop Dogg.

Story editing by Carren Jao and Jaimie Etkin. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

Topics:

Entertainment
Entertainment

25 Times LGBTQ+ Artists Made Music History

25 Times LGBTQ+ Artists Made Music History
By Cynthia Rebolledo
7 min read • Originally published December 16, 2025 / Updated March 19, 2026
By Cynthia Rebolledo
7 min read • Originally published December 16, 2025 / Updated March 19, 2026

Patrick Haggerty performs live onstage.

Jim Bennett // Getty Images

25 times LGBTQ+ artists made music history

Throughout history, there have been artists that refuse to reduce themselves to monolithic stereotypes and conform to discriminatory musical standards and expectations. Instead, individuals like Ma Rainey, often called the “Mother of the Blues,” overtly explored themes of identity and lesbian self-affirmation. Angela Y. Davis called Rainey’s “Prove It on Me,” a precursor to the lesbian cultural movement of the 1970s.

Generations of LGBTQ+ artists have followed suit, challenging the industry to create more variable genres with avant-garde style, elliptical lyrics, and formative vision. Some of these artists—Wendy Carlos, MikeQ, David Bowie, and Patrick Haggerty—have made music history all while contributing to cultural movements, LGBTQ+ rights, and freedom of self-expression that have extended beyond the stage.

To acknowledge and recognize these achievements, Stacker examined books, interviews, and primary news sources and compiled a list of 25 times LGBTQ+ artists made music history. Some of the artists on this list may be familiar, but others might be lesser-known visionaries and pioneers in the music industry. Let’s celebrate their resilience and influence that have paved, or are currently paving, the way for generations of artists.

Freddie Mercury performs onstage at Live Aid.

Pete Still/Redferns // Getty Images

Freddie Mercury: ‘The note heard around the world’

With his highly theatrical style and extraordinary vocal range, Freddie Mercury is recognized for belting out some of the most distinctive anthems in music history. Mercury’s vivid note, “Aaaaaay-o,” performed at the 1985 Live Aid concert came to be known as “the note heard around the world.”

Sylvester performs onstage.

Max Redfern/Redferns

Sylvester: The song that became a disco classic

The embodiment of disco, Sylvester rose to fame with hits “Dance” and “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).” The latter would later be recognized as an anthem of empowerment, celebrating liberation. In 1979, Sylvester was awarded a key to San Francisco by then-mayor Dianne Feinstein.

Sylvester and Patrick Cowley pose for a portrait in the studio.

Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images

Patrick Cowley: Disco originator

Patrick Cowley is recognized as an early pioneer of electronic dance music and a disco producer. He is credited for enormously influencing the music-dance scene with his trademark “San Francisco Sound.”

Melissa Etheridge poses with star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Featureflash Photo Agency // Shutterstock

Melissa Etheridge: Honored with a star

Melissa Etheridge solidified herself as a rock ‘n’ roll performer with her breakthrough 1993 album “Yes I Am.” She is a Grammy- and Oscar-winning artist. Etheridge was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011.

Elton John sings 'Candle in the Wind' at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Anwar Hussein // Getty Images

Elton John: Bestselling single of all time

A music icon, Elton John has sold more than 300 million records worldwide and holds the bestselling single of all time with 1997’s “Candle in the Wind,” a tribute to Princess Diana of Wales. In 1998, John was knighted by Queen Elizabeth ll for his contribution to music and charitable services.

Chavela Vargas performs onstage.

STR/AFP // GettyImages

Chavela Vargas: Crying for Frida

Chavela Vargas was a favorite of Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, who often used her tortured take on Mexican rancheras for his films. Vargas, widely known as a friend of Frida Kahlo, also appeared in Selma Hayek’s 2002 film “Frida” singing “La Llorona.”

Lady Gaga poses with Academy Award.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic // Getty Images

Lady Gaga: First woman to win an Oscar, Grammy, BAFTA, and Golden Globe in the same year

In 2019, singer and actress Lady Gaga became the first woman to win an Oscar, Grammy, BAFTA, and Golden Globe in a single year. In 2011, Lady Gaga released her manifesto album “Born This Way,” resonating with so many people—it inspired her Born This Way Foundation.

Patrick Haggerty, Michael Carr, Eve Morris, and Robert Hammerstrom of the gay country band Lavender Country on June 29, 2014 in Seattle, Washington at the 40th Annual Seattle Pride Parade.

Suzi Pratt // FilmMagic

Patrick Haggerty: First openly gay country album

With just 1,000 copies pressed, Lavender Country’s Patrick Haggerty released what is known as the first gay country album in 1973. An unrelenting and outspoken gay activist, Haggerty led the band, performing playful country-folk music at numerous pride and LGBTQ+ rights events across the West Coast.

Lil Nas X accepts the American Music Award.

Jeff Kravitz/AMA2019/FilmMagic for dcp // Getty Images

Lil Nas X: Longest-running #1 hit in Billboard Hot 100 history

Lil Nas X achieved viral success with his song “Old Town Road,” becoming the longest-running #1 hit in Billboard Hot 100 history. He has been celebrated for his Black queerness. Lil Nas’ unapologetically queer and controversial music video, “Montero” was inspired by André Aciman’s novel turned 2017 film, “Call Me by Your Name.”

David Bowie performs onstage.

J. Shearer/WireImage // Getty Images

David Bowie: Bestselling musician

David Bowie’s artistic expression and music catalog knew no bounds. Recognized as one of the great idiosyncratic talents of his time, he was constantly reinventing himself throughout his nearly 50-year career. Bowie was a bestselling musician with an estimated 100 million in record sales worldwide during his lifetime.

Rupaul attends the Time 100 Gala.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images

RuPaul: Supermodel of the world

There is no question that RuPaul came to work. In 2017, Time magazine named RuPaul—the most famous drag queen—one of its most influential people. He also holds the most Primetime Emmys awarded to a Black person in history. RuPaul’s 1993 single release “Supermodel (You Better Work)” found mainstream success and would later become one of many catchphrases used on his show.

Leonard Bernstein conducts the New York Philharmonic.

Bettmann // Getty Images

Leonard Bernstein: The first American to lead a major American orchestra

Leonard Bernstein—the world-renowned conductor and composer—became music director of the New York Philharmonic in 1958. The first American to lead a major American orchestra, he held this position until 1969. He went on to receive numerous honors and often lent his time to civil rights, political, and humanitarian causes, including supporting the American Foundation for AIDS Research.

Lesley Gore performing in studio.

Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images

Lesley Gore: Found success at 17

Lesley Gore was only in high school when she was discovered by music producer Quincy Jones and recorded “It’s My Party.” Gore went on to release “You Don’t Own Me,” the early feminist anthem that still resonates today.

Ma Rainey and her band pose for a portrait.

Michael Ochs Archives // Getty Images

Ma Rainey: ‘Mother of the Blues’

Dubbed the “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey toured with Louis Armstrong and helped pioneer the genre of the blues. Rainey fearlessly sang about the right of women to conduct themselves as undesirably as men. Unapologetically bisexual, Rainey was an openly queer woman, but at that time, also navigating being a Black woman. Her legacy inspired August Wilson’s 1982 play “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” and a 2020 Netflix film of the same name.

Big Freedia attends the 2022 BET Awards.

Paras Griffin // Getty Images for BET

Big Freedia: Queen of bounce

Big Freedia is credited for popularizing New Orleans bounce music. Despite starting out as a backup dancer, Freedia’s undeniable force has linked her to collaborating with names like Beyoncé and Drake.

Frank Ocean accepts Grammy award.

Kevork Djansezian // Getty Images

Frank Ocean: Grammy award winner

One of the most talked-about artists of his generation, Frank Ocean has challenged the traditional R&B genre with his introspective songwriting and detailed narratives. Ocean has won two Grammy awards.

Linda Perry speaks at Songwriters Hall Of Fame awards.

Taylor Hill/WireImage // Getty Images

Linda Perry: Hitmaker

Linda Perry is a songwriting legend and musician in her own right—writing songs for Pink, Adele, and Alicia Keys. In 2015, Perry was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Wendy Carlos at work in her recording studio.

Leonard M. DeLessio // Corbis via Getty Images

Wendy Carlos: Soundscape composer

An electronic music pioneer and composer, Wendy Carlos is responsible for scoring some of auteur director Stanley Kubrick’s most famous films—”A Clockwork Orange” and “The Shining.” Carlos, who also scored “Tron,” is credited for inspiring Daft Punk.

DJ Mike Q performs onstage.

Jack Vartoogian // Getty Images

MikeQ: First ballroom-dedicated label

MikeQ is a prominent figure in the underground ballroom community. In 2005, he founded Qween Beat, the first ballroom-dedicated label, to preserve the culture and support the new generation of emerging voguers.

Rob Halford speaks onstage during the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Kevin Kane // Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rob Halford: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

In 2022, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for musical excellence. The “Metal God” came out as gay in a 1998 MTV News interview, challenging the perception of the masculine heavy metal genre.

Tegan and Sara accept 2014 Juno Award for Pop Album of the Year.

Jag Gundu // Getty Images

Tegan and Sara: Juno Award winners

Identical twin sisters, Tegan and Sara have amassed an international following for their vulnerable pop-rock songs. They’ve won three Juno Awards, the Canadian equivalent of a Grammy, and a GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist.

Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of the B-52s perform onstage.

Tim Mosenfelder // Getty Images

B-52s: The world’s greatest party band

Rock music’s most beloved party band, the B-52s formed in 1976 and played their first live performance on “Saturday Night Live” perplexing the crowd with their overt stage presence. Their 1989 album, “Cosmic Thing,” would be the band’s mainstream breakthrough—still timeless today.

Brandi Carlile poses with Grammy Awards.

Jon Kopaloff/WireImage // Getty Images

Brandi Carlile: 6 Grammy wins

Since her self-titled debut album in 2005, Brandi Carlile has won six Grammys and has become a bestselling author for her memoir, “Broken Horses.” Carlile is also the first female songwriter to receive two Grammy nominations for song of the year in the same year.

Frankie Knuckles in DJ booth.

J. Countess/WireImage // Getty Images

Frankie Knuckles: The ‘Godfather of House Music’

Frankie Knuckles was known as the “Godfather of House Music” for his role in developing and contributing to the culture of house music—restructuring and rearranging the Chicago dance scene.

Raveena performs at Coachella.

Timothy Norris // Getty Images for Coachella

Raveena: The first Indian woman to perform solo at Coachella

In 2022, Raveena was among the acts at the Coachella Music Festival, making her the first Indian woman to perform as a solo artist. Raveena sang “Dum Maro Dum,” a song from the iconic Indian movie “Haré Rama Haré Krishna.”

Topics:

Entertainment
Entertainment

Casting Calls Across the US: Where Film and TV Shows Are Hiring Now

Casting Calls Across the US: Where Film and TV Shows Are Hiring Now
By Jaimie Etkin
3 min read • Originally published December 17, 2025 / Updated March 19, 2026
By Jaimie Etkin
3 min read • Originally published December 17, 2025 / Updated March 19, 2026

KinoMasterskaya // Shutterstock

Movies and TV shows casting across the US

The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities’ Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey.

Whether you’re a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a list of projects casting right now across the U.S., and which roles they’re looking to fill.

Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

‘”Day 1: Real-time” Producers & Key Crew’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Various Lead Roles (lead, 18-65)
– Average hourly rate: not available
– Casting locations: West Hollywood, California
– Learn more about the feature film here

Media_Photos // Shutterstock

‘Crown by Blood’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Victoria (lead, female, 18-25)
— Alex (lead, 21-28)
— Steve (lead, 30-43)
– Average hourly rate: $175
– Casting locations: Boca Raton, Florida
– Learn more about the feature film here

Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

‘Mama’s Boy,’ A24 Horror Series’

– Project type: scripted show
– Roles:
— Playboy Cover Model (Still Photo Shoot) (background extra, female, 18-30)
– Average hourly rate: $63
– Casting locations: New York City, New York
– Learn more about the scripted show here

muratart // Shutterstock

’72 Hours,’ Club Goers’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Miami Club Goers W/ Club Dance Experience (background extra, 18-35)
– Average hourly rate: $28
– Casting locations: Brooklyn, New York; Jersey City, New Jersey; Hoboken, New Jersey; New York City, New York; Morristown, New Jersey
– Learn more about the feature film here

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

‘The Fall of Stardust’

– Project type: scripted show
– Roles:
— Asherah: Age 12 (supporting, female, 10-14)
— Miguel (lead, male, 18-25)
— Father Samuel (models, male, 45-65)
– Average hourly rate: $93
– Casting locations: Columbus, Georgia; Naples, Florida; Miami, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; West Palm Beach, Florida
– Learn more about the scripted show here

Tikkyshop // Shutterstock

‘Work From Home’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Matt (supporting, male, 18-35)
— Daisy (supporting, female, 18-30)
– Average hourly rate: $40
– Casting locations: Los Angeles, California
– Learn more about the feature film here

Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

‘Subclass’

– Project type: scripted show
– Roles:
— Vitalis (supporting, 18-23)
— Tempestuous (supporting, 18-24)
— Akiko (supporting, female, 18-25)
– Average hourly rate: $25
– Casting locations: West Palm Beach, Florida; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Miami, Florida; Hollywood, Florida
– Learn more about the scripted show here

Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

‘Exit 17’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Jessica Hughes (supporting, 28-40)
— Stephanie (day player, female, 18-35)
— Casting PA (crew)
– Average hourly rate: $28
– Casting locations: New York City, New York
– Learn more about the feature film here

Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

‘DWP2’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Event Guests (background extra, 18-80)
– Average hourly rate: $27
– Casting locations: New York City, New York
– Learn more about the feature film here

Grusho Anna // Shutterstock

‘Whispers in the Walls’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Nurse (day player, female, 23-50)
— Police Officer (background extra, male, 30-60)
— Rose (supporting, 35-50)
– Average hourly rate: $31
– Casting locations: Los Angeles, California
– Learn more about the feature film here

Media_Photos // Shutterstock

‘Chronovisor’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Beatrice (lead, female, 40-70)
— Librarian (day player, 40-100)
— Young Academic (day player, male, 30-40)
– Average hourly rate: $30
– Casting locations: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
– Learn more about the feature film here

guruXOX // Shutterstock

’72 Hours’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Club Goers (background extra, 18-35)
– Average hourly rate: $18
– Casting locations: New York City, New York; Newark, New Jersey; Brooklyn, New York; Morristown, New Jersey; Hoboken, New Jersey
– Learn more about the feature film here

Media_Photos // Shutterstock

‘The Circle in the Sky’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Aya (lead, female, 21-35)
– Average hourly rate: $63
– Casting locations: Los Angeles, California
– Learn more about the feature film here

Dpongvit // Shutterstock

‘Gum’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— Eden (lead, female, 18-24)
— Mary (supporting, female, 18-23)
— Ammon (supporting, male, 18-25)
– Average hourly rate: $31
– Casting locations: Los Angeles, California
– Learn more about the feature film here

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

’20th Century Studios ‘DWP2’

– Project type: feature film
– Roles:
— High Fashion Private Party (background extra, 18-80)
– Average hourly rate: $27
– Casting locations: New York City, New York
– Learn more about the feature film here

This story was
produced by
Backstage
and reviewed and
distributed by Stacker.

Topics:

Entertainment
media-news

Dolphin to Host Fourth Quarter and Year End Earnings Conference Call on March 25, 2026

By Media News
3 min read • Published March 19, 2026
By Media News
3 min read • Published March 19, 2026

MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / March 19, 2026 / Dolphin (NASDAQ:DLPN), a leading entertainment marketing and content production company, announced today it will host a conference call to discuss financial results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025 on March 25, 2026, at 4:30pm ET.

Conference Call Information

To participate in this event, dial in approximately 5 to 10 minutes before the beginning of the call.

Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 4:30pm ET
Toll Free: 888-506-0062 International: 973-528-0011 Participant Access Code: 255728
Webcast: https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2225/53793

Replay

Toll Free: 877-481-4010 International: 919-882-2331 Replay Passcode: 53793
Webcast Replay: https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/2225/53793

ABOUT DOLPHIN:

Dolphin (NASDAQ:DLPN) is where cultural creation meets marketing execution. Founded in 1996 by Bill O’Dowd, Dolphin operates as both a venture studio-developing and investing in breakthrough content, products, and experiences-and a marketing consortium, featuring leading agencies across every communications discipline.

At its core, the venture studio creates, produces, finances, markets, and promotes new businesses and cultural ideas – ranging from acclaimed film, television, and digital content to consumer goods, live events and partnerships that define entertainment and lifestyle. Surrounding this entrepreneurial engine, Dolphin’s marketing prowess brings together best-in-class firms including 42West, The Door, Shore Fire Media, Elle Communications, Special Projects and The Digital Dept. Together, this collective delivers unmatched cross-marketing expertise and relationships across every vertical of pop culture – from film, television, music, influencers, sports, hospitality, and fashion to consumer brands and purpose-driven initiatives. Dolphin marketing has been the recipient of many accolades, including #1 Agency of the Year on the Observer PR Power List in 2025, The PR Net 100, and the PR News Elite 120.

Follow us on Instagram here.

This press release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act. These forward-looking statements may address, among other things, Dolphin Entertainment Inc.’s offering of common stock as well as expected financial and operational results and the related assumptions underlying its expected results. These forward-looking statements are distinguished by the use of words such as "will," "would," "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "designed," "plan," or "intend," the negative of these terms, and similar references to future periods. These views involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and, accordingly, Dolphin Entertainment’s actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in its forward-looking statements. Dolphin Entertainment’s forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release. Factors or events Dolphin Entertainment cannot predict, including those described in the risk factors contained in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may cause its actual results to differ from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Although Dolphin Entertainment believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved, and Dolphin Entertainment undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Contact:

James Carbonara
HAYDEN IR
(646)-755-7412
james@haydenir.com

SOURCE: Dolphin Entertainment

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

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media-news
Climb the Ladder

Pros and Cons of Living at Home After College

Man living at home with parents
Scouted.io icon
By Scouted
Scouted was a hiring marketplace that matched candidates to roles based on potential, serving clients from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies.
4 min read • Originally published January 23, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026
Scouted.io icon
By Scouted
Scouted was a hiring marketplace that matched candidates to roles based on potential, serving clients from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies.
4 min read • Originally published January 23, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

To Live At Home Or Not To: The Post-Grad Question

It’s a common nightmare among college seniors.  Graduating job-less, and making the slow, shameful march back into your childhood bedroom, South Park posters and all. Luckily for all of our collective self-esteems, what used to be a sign of despair has become the norm for millennials. These days, it’s fairly common for college grads to be living at home with Mom & Dad for the first few months (er, years), whether we’re job-searching or just saving our first few months of salary to prep for the insanity of NYC rent.

It certainly is a “cool thing”

I feel particularly equipped to address this subject, since I am one of these college grads livin’ the home-cooked dream. I graduated in May 2016, got a job at this dope start-up (Scouted, heyy), and moved back to Connecticut to live with my parents.

So, college seniors, if you’re trying to decide whether to save dat money and regress back to teenagehood, I give you my official “Pros & Cons of Living at Home”:

Pro of living at home: Financial Responsibility

See, I use phrases like financial responsibility now. Because I’m an adult. I’m also an adult in my ability to avoid forking over 70% of my monthly paycheck to pay for a 90 sq ft bedroom with a fake wall on Avenue D. Even though recent grads have faced one of the most compelling job markets in years, the cost of living has been steadily increasing along with it. Living at home has afforded me the ability to steadily increase my savings account, so when I do inevitably move out I’ll have a cushion to fall back on. Go me.

Con of living at home: Commuting

Turns out that commuting while living at home, well, sucks.  On average, Americans waste nearly 50 hours annually commuting with commuters in more metropolitan areas topping close to 75 hours. I personally commute nearly 3.5 hours daily, from my parents’ home in Connecticut to our office in midtown Manhattan. On top of the wasted time, paying for 10 weekly train rides cuts into those aforementioned savings. On the bright side, there’s apparently a petition circulating to bring back the bar car to my train line, so at least I can have the companionship of Bud Light en route home.  Commuting costs time, money, and productivity. Major con.

Nothing like a couple of train brews

Pro of living at home: Hanging out with your parents

I love my parents! I mean, er, they’re cool or whatever. It’s definitely an adjustment to be back home after almost 4 years of “living on my own” at school. Transitioning from sporadic visits to seeing your parents daily really reminds you of how awesome your parents are! They give great advice, like how to find the right credit card or what’s appropriate to wear in a client meeting. They stock your bathroom with the soft kind of toilet paper, and wake you up when you miss your alarm. And sometimes they have cool friends that make for great networking opportunities. Daily hangouts with the people who know you best: Pro, for days.

Con of living at home: Hanging out with your parents

Ah, the flip side. Alongside the joys of Charmin and a fully-stocked fridge, we have some downsides here. Turns out, you can’t use your bedroom floor as a closet or throw your beer on the floor when you’re done drinking it. You have to dump out your cereal bowl when you’re done with it. And sometimes your parents invite all their friends over and you have to explain to 20 (well-meaning) old people what you’re doing with your life and why you’re living at home. And of course, there’s the constant FOMO as you sit home on a Saturday night watching National Treasure while your friends send snapchats all of their awesome shenanigans.

Pro of living at home: The Fridge

Man, nothing beats a home cooked meal, especially after four years of ramen and Busch heavy. Given that I had some horrendous eating habits while at college, it is nice to enjoy a well-rounded diet that only *occasionally* includes pizza, and has all these green items that I’ve heard so much about. It is also something that brings my family together. We have just about all of our meals together and it really has allowed me to reconnect with my parents.

What a real fridge should look like….

Con of living at home: (Not) doing grown-up / real people things

Sometimes I worry that I’m missing out on valuable life experiences that everyone in their early twenties should be going through on their own. Paying bills, shopping for my own groceries, doing laundry: my current set-up requires none of these things. Am I regressing? Maybe. Is it kind of great not to worry about any of these things? Hell yes. Nevermind, I regret bringing this up.    

———-

Overall, I am very grateful that my parents are letting me live at home. And it is genuinely nice to spend time with them after a busy four years of college. But I’m also looking forward to getting to the next step – and make sure I start becoming as accomplished and successful as my parents are.  So here’s to hoping that my next blog entry is titled “The Apartment Search”!

If you want more content related to millennials, the job search, or life be sure to visit the Scouted blog!

Topics:

Candidates, Climb the Ladder
Climb the Ladder

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?

What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
Scouted.io icon
By Scouted
Scouted was a hiring marketplace that matched candidates to roles based on potential, serving clients from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies.
6 min read • Originally published March 1, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026
Scouted.io icon
By Scouted
Scouted was a hiring marketplace that matched candidates to roles based on potential, serving clients from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies.
6 min read • Originally published March 1, 2017 / Updated March 19, 2026

“So, what do you want to be when you grow up?”

Ah, a question both timeless and pervasive. It follows you through elementary, middle and high school, and eagerly tags along to college, growing brighter and more urgent each day.

When you’re young, the question is fun; the possibilities are endless. I usually went with some combination of: an NBA player, a sneaker baron, or Lindsay Lohan’s official best friend (Parent Trap-era Lindsay Lohan, to be clear). My best friend yearned to be a psychiatrist when she grew up so she could “know everyone’s secrets.”

For many of us, the fun begins to diminish when college applications start. Now, the question is real. You need a “serious” response. A doctor is always a safe bet. These days, the ever-vague entrepreneur works too. I went with lawyer in my time, based on the rock-solid facts that my parent are both lawyers, and I liked to read. (Seriously, these were my reasons.)

indiana jones
This is what doctors look like, right?

 

Luckily, few colleges will even hold you to your intended major, let alone your 10-year plan.  But once you get to campus, you start to make decisions that inevitably narrow your options. You choose prerequisites that will guide you to a certain major, you join clubs that expose you to certain types of people, you decide to do research over the summer – or take that unpaid social media marketing internship close to home. Whether deliberately or not, your path begins to take shape.

A bit of my own story…

When I was in college, I stayed on a fairly tracked path. I went all-in on that excellently-reasoned lawyer bet: majored in Political Science, spent my junior summer as an intern investigator for the D.C. public defender’s office, and headed off to a boutique law firm to work as a paralegal after college. Nothing to it, I thought. I have this job thing on lock.

There was just one problem. Turns out, I didn’t like the law very much. I found the environment inflexible and stifling, and the work overly structured and painfully detail-oriented. The attorneys in my office advised me to “get out while I can”. (That’s an actual quote from my boss.) I got out.  Moved home.  And then started thinking about “the question” from scratch.

So, whether you’ve already started down a path or are just beginning to make choices about how and where to spend your time, here’s a few thoughts that I’ve collected along my own journey of figuring out what I want to be when I grow up. Quick spoiler alert: I’m 27, and still not totally sure. (So, take the advice below with a grain of salt!)

Pay attention to what you read, listen to and talk about in your free time.

This is what my dad refers to as the “NY Times” test. Which section of the paper do you gravitate towards? What are the websites that you bookmark and read every day (Facebook, Barstool Sports & Buzzfeed aside, people). What podcasts are you subscribed to? Most young people that I know consume a lot of media, and their options are infinite. Everyone makes conscious or unconscious choices about which topics they stay abreast on, which articles they send to friends, and the podcasts for which they eagerly await each new episode. (Recently, for my twenty-something male friends, that podcast is “Bodega Boys,” which probably doesn’t give us much insight into one’s career. But, anyhow.)

Noticing these habits is often helpful in identifying what you actually find interesting, rather than what you think you’re “supposed” to care about.

Use all of the adults in your life. Wisely.

Obviously, I did a terrible job of taking this advice, given that I had almost no sense of what a lawyer did, despite living with two for my entire life.  But, do as I say and not as I do, right? Your parents, their friends, older siblings, cousins, parents of friends – you can probably get a pretty good understanding of 10+ industries or jobs by setting up a call or coffee date with your close circle of grown-ups. Turns out, old people have had lots of life experiences and pretty good perspective on what they would’ve changed about their careers. Most importantly, ask them how they figured out what they liked, and how long it took them to get there. The answers might surprise you.

Don’t do the same thing every summer – and take notes.

You might be thinking, “I thought that I was supposed to create consistency with my resume, building my skills in a particular area so I’m super hireable when I graduate and I don’t have to live at home after college or eat Cheetos/ramen/Lucky Charms for dinner every night or…”

Yea, yea. There’s some truth to that. But it doesn’t help much to create consistency in your story, if you’re consistently doing something that you’re not very interested in. (See: my resume, circa 2011, with three legal internships upon graduation. Woops.) You have three glorious summers in college to experiment with different types of companies, locations, and jobs. Work for a startup (we’re always hiring!), then try a bigger, more established company. Maybe do a summer not in a major city, if you think you might like the small-town experience. If your school offers funding for unpaid / nonprofit internships, spend a summer working for the not-man.

And most importantly, use these experiences wisely. Do your best to take on additional responsibilities, so you can learn more about what you enjoy doing. Spend time reflecting on the projects you like and dislike, and write stuff down. Build relationships with your boss, so she can, you know, hook it up later.

Get a sales job.

If you’re completely lost about what to do, I’d follow the advice that my sister gave me a few years ago: “Get a sales job.” (She followed that up with, “It kinda sucks and it’s really hard, but I think all smart kids should have at least one experience in sales. It’s humbling as hell.”) Inspirational stuff from the fam.

40 year old virigin
Be like Steve.

 

A huge percentage of jobs involve selling something to someone – whether it’s convincing your boss to implement your idea, selling yourself to a potential employer, or pitching an organization on why they should partner with your company. Being comfortable with the persuasion process will be hugely helpful throughout your career and building those skills early will inevitably make you better at your job. Unless you’re a programmer, in which case you can probably ignore everything I’ve said, and go enjoy your incredibly well-paid job. Go you.

Lastly, remember that your first job (or two, or three) don’t matter all that much.

It can be tempting to view your first job as hugely indicative of the rest of your career. Luckily, that’s almost always wrong. Here’s what’s important about your first few jobs: that you’re learning, that you’re getting insight into what you like and dislike, and ideally, that you’re meeting some older folks that are good mentors. (I know a few bosses who are particularly good at that.)

Phil Knight (founder of Nike) began his career as an accountant. Reed Hastings sold vacuums. Marisa Mayer worked at a grocery store. So did Oprah. Actually, so did Warren Buffett.

So I guess what we’ve learned today: use your college years to learn about yourself, don’t’ stress, and if all else fails, go work at a grocery store and hope it leads you to wild success.

Topics:

Candidates, Climb the Ladder

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